Strong-willed Cillian O’Connor a man Dublin fans love to hate

Prior to the 2012 All-Ireland semi-final win over Dublin, he was taking himself to Ray Prendergast Memorial Park while wearing headphones... listening to Hill 16 chanting “Come on you boys in blue”

Mayo’s Cillian O'Connor celebrates scoring his a goal against Tipp in the All-Ireland semi-final. Picture: INPHO/James Crombie

From the age of 20, Cillian O’Connor was thinking ahead.

Prior to the 2012 All-Ireland semi-final win over Dublin, he was taking himself to Ray Prendergast Memorial Park in Ballintubber and kicking frees while wearing headphones. What was filling his ears? Hill 16 chanting “Come on you boys in blue”.