WITH the issue of burnout back on the agenda ahead of the GAA’s Annual Congress this weekend, it didn’t go unnoticed that Monaghan’s Conor McCarthy played three games in three days at the weekend past.
He helped UCD bridge their 20-year Sigerson Cup wait, playing the first half of Friday’s semi-final win over University Limerick and then 59 minutes of Saturday’s final before picking up a late black card.
On Sunday, he returned to action with Monaghan under-21s as they lost by 0-16 to 0-10 against Tyrone in the Shamrock Cup.
The second year Science student at the Dublin university, the Monaghan man makes the four-hour return journey from Scotstown to UCD several times a week.
It’s the best way for him to combine his studies and football.
A member of the Monaghan senior panel, his focus is also split with the county’s under-21 side, who are set to begin their Ulster Championship campaign against Fermanagh three weeks tomorrow.
However, McCarthy says that the understanding of his various managers means that he is able to juggle the demands.
“Student life’s not as easy as they say. I don’t know about other boys but it’s tough if you’re a footballer. But it’s great too.
“It is a lot of commitment. I’m with the county and I’m still under-21. Juggling between three teams is not easy but the boys on all sides are understanding, so it’s all smooth sailing.
“[Malachy O’Rourke] is very understanding and he doesn’t put you under too much pressure at all,” said McCarthy.
The two-week break from the National League has been a busy enough time for Monaghan players.
McCarthy and his UCD team-mate Ryan Wylie were among six of O’Rourke’s senior panellists who were involved on Sigerson weekend.
Shane Carey, Paudie McKenna (DCU), Ryan McAnespie and Kieran Hughes (UU) were all involved at Jordanstown.
On Saturday, McCarthy had his reward as he helped UCD overcome city rivals DCU to claim the silverware for the first time since 1996.
Two fine left-footed efforts, one in either half, headlined his contribution to a success that he hopes is the first of many.
”I’m in second year at the minute, so I’ve a long way to go yet. I’ve another couple to get,” said the ambitious 20-year-old of future Sigerson hopes, while brandishing a cut to the eye.
“It was physical stuff, but that’s what you get with any Sigerson game, especially at this time of year. That’s what you have to take.
“We’ll take this now and hopefully push on for the next few years, maintain this status. That’s what it’s all about.”
UCD were fully deserving of their win over their city rivals and reigning Sigerson Cup holders DCU, though they were perhaps aided by the contrasting semi-finals the two played on Friday.
John Divilly’s side were basically in the final after 15 minutes, leading UL by 2-5 to 0-0, and were able to take off McCarthy, Jack McCaffrey, John Heslin, Paul Mannion and Niall Kelly to rest them for the decider.
DCU had an altogether tougher tie against a strong Ulster University side, which no doubt contributed to their disappointing display in the final.
“You could take that into account, but we always had belief in our squad anyway, that the boys on the bench could come in and almost do a better job than the boys that were on the pitch,” said McCarthy.
“That showed today, we had a few boys came on and took scores. I’m sure Stephen Coen will be happy with his one off the left.
“We knew they could come in and make an impact, and that’s what made the difference in the end.”
