Ballyboden star reveals concussion trauma

Ballyboden St Endas’ Robbie McDaid has revealed he was sidelined for two and a half months last year after suffering a second concussion in the space of three months.

McDaid was part of Jim Gavin’s panel last season when he picked up a head injury in training in March having initially experienced the condition playing for UCD in January.

The 22-year-old had not suffered concussion prior to that but the quick succession of blows meant he had to take an extended break away from football.

“I wouldn't have said it was scary or anything like that, it just wasn't pleasant,” he recalled. “Just the headaches and all that. At the time, I was in final year of college as well and you're meant to rest after getting your concussion but I had to kind of study at the same time. It was just uncomfortable more than anything but I got through it okay.”

In the space of a week last month, McDaid helped to guide Ballyboden to an All-Ireland club final and UCD to a Sigerson Cup title. The agreement between Ballyboden manager Andy McEntee and UCD’s John Divilly was McDaid would only play for the college if they reached the final.

A first cousin to Paul Durcan (McDaid’s father is Durcan’s mother’s sister), McDaid was integral to convincing the Donegal goalkeeper to join the club last year. “I just think there wasn't any other club that he would have considered. Growing up I would have gone to all the Donegal games and he would always be in touch, finding out how I did with the club and obviously we had minor successes in the club as well.

“I think he showed that interest in my football in Dublin and I think he just saw what a club Ballyboden was. I don't think there was any other option for him, really. To be honest, he didn't take much persuading. Obviously, I said ‘we'd love you up with the club’ but it didn't take much to get him here.”

As they prepare to face Castlebar Mitchel’s on St Patrick’s Day, McDaid readily admits he never envisaged playing in an All-Ireland final alongside him. “I thought I'd be playing against him! But yeah it's a great occasion for the family and all of his sisters and my cousins are coming to the games following our progression in championship. It's always special when you have that kind of family ties in the club.”