Derek McGrath not getting carried away

If it sounds like Derek McGrath is treating success like an imposter, you will understand.

After a 2014 season when he was pilloried in his county on the treble — relegation, two defeats in three championship games — as well as for showing the door to some old favourites, he has reason to be suspicious about his new-found popularity.

“That was very difficult for me because I was always sceptical of fans. I was in the stands one day when Dan (Shanahan) was taken off and the fella beside me stood up and applauded so I would have been naturally sceptical, a bit paranoid, about how harsh it is for people (players and management) who have family in the stand. We’ve just embraced the fans and tried to get them on board. They’re turning for us and victories help.