Sport helps you through the darkest days imaginable

HE turned 60 this summer, The Big Easy of Mayo football, which prompted a flurry of exis- tential thoughts to nibble at the corners of Liam McHale's mind.

- 

"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.'