through the darkest

Sport helps you

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“I think sport definitely helps you get through the worst days, the death of your parents, the darkest days imaginable.

“Because you are used to dealing with heartbreak in all sorts of different forms.

“I would have taken losing those finals very badly. It would take me a long time to get over those sort of things.

“Take the 1996 replay (when he and Meath’s Colm Coyle were sent off in the opening minutes, McHale seemingly singled out in a mass brawl because of his 6ft5in frame).

“If I was to name the five biggest heartbreaks in my life, that would definitely be included.

“I am talking about everything. I was really low. I went around moping.

“My brother Seán said, ‘this is going to follow you forever my friend, until the day you die people are going to want to talk to you about this’

“And he was spot on”

The same darkness has encircled a generation of Mayo footballers.

O'Shea, Keegan, the O'Connors, Boyle and Higgins got so close, alone in repeatedly pushing a generational Dublin team.

Continuously winded by fate, disappointment like a wrecking ball buckling the face of summer after summer.

“These boys have played in twice as many finals as me. Youd be praying they get one.

“Life is cyclical. Good one minute and it’s shit the next.

“It's how you deal with the shit part is what makes you, it defines you really.

‘Aidan has had so much unfair criticism. I'm happy to see that it has kind of changed. He’ getting a lot more respect than say three years ago.

“People realise how dedicated he is. He's like LeBron with the longevity.