The Hop Ball - Episode 6: Michael Carton

Tue, 9th June 2020

Former Dublin senior hurler, Michael Carton, is this week's guest for Episode 6 of 'The Hop Ball', the new Dubs TV series, sponsored by AIG.

Hosted by 2011 All-Ireland SFC winner, Eamon Fennell, the O'Toole's clubman reflects on his intercounty days, a career that spanned 13 seasons.

Michael looks back on the highs and lows of his Dublin career beginning with his minor days as well as the success he enjoyed as both a footballer and hurler in primary school (Scoil Bhríde, Blanchardstown) and secondary (St Declan's College).

The a 46-minute interview provides an abundance of insights into Michael's playing days in a career that got off to a great start when he was part of Dublin's Walsh Cup winning squad in 2003, which defeated Kilkenny (2-11 to 2-10) in Parnell Park courtesy of a late Johnny McGuirk score.

"That was some Kilkenny team. Thirteen of that starting team that day won the All-Ireland the year before - DJ Carey, Charlie Carter, that was a serious team and in Parnell Park and the place was packed," says Michael.

In many ways the black and amber were the big rivals during Michael's playing career.

The previous year, while still a minor, he was part of the last O'Toole's panel to win the Dublin SHC (New Ireland Assurance Cup) when defeating Craobh Chiaráin in the decider.

In 2006 Carton was part of the Dublin side that won NHL Division 2 honours when beating Kerry in the final in Semple Stadium, Thurles.

However, five years later he was not part of the NHL1 winning side having opted out following a bad run of injuries the previous year.

But following some impressive showings with O'Toole's he was invited to rejoin the panel by Anthon Daly.

"We played Jude's in the championship and I played well, scored six or seven points and Daly was there and he rang me that night to come back for the championship in 2011. I didn't hesitate and just said 'yes'."

That summer Dublin reached the All-Ireland semi-final but lost to Tipp having defeated Limerick in the quarter-final.

Two years later came one of the highlights of Carton's career when Dublin overcame Wexford (replay), Kilkenny (replay) and then outclassed Galway in the Leinster SHC final to claim the Bob O'Keeffe Cup for the first time since 1961.

Michael looks back on those great summers of 2011 and '13 and outlines why, in his opinion, Dublin didn't go all the way to securing the Liam MacCarthy.