Ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland semi final between Mayo and Kerry, we’re looking back at two of our favourite forwards from the counties and the Mayo man we’ve chosen is Ciaran McDonald…
Ciaran McDonald was one of the most graceful players to ever play the game and he treated us to some amazing moments during his intercounty career with Mayo (1994- 2007) and his club career with Crossmolina who he’s still playing with.
The classy forward won four Connacht titles in his time with Mayo and surprisingly only won one All Star award during his career. Despite not filling the trophy cabinet, he’s still regarded as one of the best and we agree.
Here’s a look at six reasons we love Ciaran McDonald…
1. The fact that he must have been the first and only Mayo man to ever have braids. A bold statement that didn’t really work but we applaud his courage to just go for it…
2. He’s still playing club football with Crossmolina at the age of 39 and he can still produce moments like this…
3. McDonald was one of the only players that had the class and ability to justify the white boots and socks up look…
4. His ability from a sideline which is perfectly illustrated here
http://youtu.be/y8bxlm2St4I?t=32s
5. McDonald’s vision and passing ability was tremendous. The Pirlo of Gaelic Football
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poxwjHhfa1o
6. The classy outside of the left foot scoring, phenomenal technique…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voELKRWO9Sc
After seeing those clips, we would love if McDonald was pulling his boots on this Sunday. Even though he isn’t, Mayo and Kerry should still be a cracking game. It throws in at 3.30pm at Croke Park.
Ahead of the big game, and because we love Kerry and Mayo equally, make sure to check out our Six reasons JOE loves Kerry football legend Maurice Fitzgerald too.
