Durcan's journey from exciting prospect to leader of the pack

Paddy Durcan on captaincy, attacking football and Galway opener

LEADING THE PACK: Paddy Durcan of Mayo lifts the cup after his side's victory in the Allianz Football League Division 1 Final match between Galway and Mayo at Croke Park in Dublin. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

It happened suddenly. Paddy Durcan was the fledging newcomer, an exciting prospect galloping along with other Mayo stalwarts. Now he is the at the top of the pack, striving to lead the way.

Durcan’s Mayo debut came in the 2015 opening round of the Allianz Football League, a comfortable victory over then All-Ireland champions Kerry. He is one of only three players left standing from the starting team in the 2017 All-Ireland final, along with Aidan O’Shea and Cillian O’Connor.