Mayo and Dublin: A rivalry gone toxic

Enda Varley had his nose broken off the ball in the 2012 semi-final meeting of Mayo and Dublin and also played in the 2013 final. Gone from the county scene, he has since slipped behind enemy lines, playing his club football with St Vincent’s. Kieran Shannon discovers how he’s grown to appreciate his new surroundings and respect teammates like Diarmuid Connolly, but also sees a rivalry between his two homes slipping out of control

Afortnight out from their All Ireland club semi-final against Slaughtneil, St Vincent’s headed out to Enfield to play in what must be the most salubrious surroundings a club team has ever played a challenge game.

With a match of their own only a week away, the Dublin footballers were in camp in the Johnstown Estate House Hotel. It might only have been the league but Jim Gavin wanted to win that opening game up in Cavan and so was happy to invite on site a team already up to the speed and ferocity of winter football.