Connor answered Ireland’s call

MATT CONNOR never imagined

Neither could he have imagined the bold and imaginative concept of the GAA and the (then) NFL coming together would produce a hybrid football game that has attained such status.

One of the most accomplished forwards of his generation, he was a key member of the Offaly side captained by his brother Richie which denied Kerry the record of five All-Ireland wins on the trot in 1982. Tragically, his career ended in a car accident on Christmas Day in 1984, confining him to wheelchair for the rest of his life. A few months earlier, he had played in the very first test in the International Series in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Not selected for either of the remaining tests in Croke Park, that effectively ended his involvement in the series until John O'Keeffe called on him to be part of his management team early last year. It was a call he willingly answered. He had been involved with Offaly minors for about ten years and also helped out with his club, Walsh Island.

He still has a clear memory of the 1984 game in Cork, the first of 23 test games played to date. It was a torrid encounter, notable for the violent nature of some of the Australian play, which saw Mick Lyons knocked unconscious by a blow to the head.

"It was unbelievable, just a row from one end of the field to another. But, there were no rules. They hadn't been set out. The Australians were very competitive and they wanted to win and they went about it that way. We were caught unawares," he recalled.

Not surprisingly, in the immediate aftermath he didn't believe the game had a future. But his views were to change with time.

"I remember the first test in Croke Park last year. I couldn't believe how fast the game was. The movement was unreal and the idea of players going on and off was very new to me."

Twelve months on and two tests later, he is much more familiar with the game and its nuances. And, he has gained a full appreciation of John O'Keeffe's ability as the manager. "He's very good, very thorough and extremely efficient. It's obvious that he has a great idea of this game. He knows it inside out and it shows in his preparation of the team.

O'Keeffe and Connor are joined on the sideline by Martin Carney, the former Donegal and Mayo player now better known as an RTÉ analyst and Peter McGinnity, the former Fermanagh star.

"Peter helps out with the coaching. Myself and Martin stay more in the background," he explains.

"We were all disappointed after the first test in Perth, in that we know we could have done better. With better finishing, we would have been closer. We could even have won.

"It disappointed us to concede three goals. If you lose that number in a game at home you are going to be in a bit of bother. And if you miss five or six scoring frees or chances you are also in trouble. You can't concede goals and you must take every chance you get. If you do that in most games, you are there or thereabouts."

Once more, he is impressed by the speed of the game. And, he wonders if the introduction of the Aussie Rules 'mark' might result in the pace of the game slowing down. Conversely, it could benefit the high catch, almost a dying art in the game.

"Maybe the mark should be looked at," he comments.

"It would stop the people crowding fellows when they get the ball. That has come into the game a good bit!"