Brian Howard knows the pros and cons of games in Croke Park
Brian Howard and Killian McGinnis of Dublin after their side's victory in the Leinster SFC against Louth at Croke Park. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
The quarter-finals are set to take place this weekend in Croke Park, and Dublin are preparing to face a dangerous Galway side, who have already beaten Mayo, Derry and Monaghan in the championship.
Dublin themselves haven’t put a foot wrong this year, cruising through the Leinster championship and continuing that dominant form in the group stages.
That was until they met Mayo in their last game, who came at them with everything in their arsenal, and in the end, the reigning All-Ireland champions were fortunate to escape that match with a draw.
As they prepare to face another Connacht side, Dessie Farrell will be analysing the opposition meticulously, but one concern that he won’t have this time around is playing outside of Croke Park.
The drawn game against Mayo was in Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon, and some pundits believe that the capital are a weaker side when they aren’t in the GAA’s headquarters, but current Boy in Blue Brian Howard doesn’t buy into that.
“No, I don't think Croke Park is a massive factor”, Howard said at the All-Ireland series media launch.
“I think some of the most enjoyable matches I've been involved in have been outside of Croke Park, and I love Breffni, it’s one my favourite stadiums outside of Dublin.
“Even as an underage [player] I remember beating Donegal in an All-Ireland semi-final there and thankfully I played well, so I've good memories from there.
“It seems to always be when you're down there that the sun is shining, and the pitch, the way it's sort of down the hill, spectators are on the pitch, and when you go down to those games, you sort of feel so connected with the fans - whether they come on to the pitch after the game, you're signing autographs, taking photos, it sort of really brings you back down to earth.
“If you're in Croke Park, you sort of feel like - these are the players, everybody else is just watching you, and then you go back into the dressing room and off you go.
“When you're down in the likes of Hyde Park, being able to share that experience with fans and kids, regardless of what jersey they have on - if it's a Mayo jersey you're signing it, you're taking photos, and at the end of the day, that's why they're there, they love the game.
“Regardless of who comes out on top, it's just so positive to see the sun shining, you're with the fans, you're having a bit of craic.”
Another argument to play games outside of Croke Park is to tackle the problem of low attendances, and the impact that has on atmosphere, but Howard believes that whether you’re from Dublin or not, every footballer wants to play there.
“There is a narrative that the Dubs all love Croke Park, but I'd be very surprised if any other player in the county doesn't love Croke Park, because that's the home of the GAA.
“It's one of the best stadiums in the world, I think anybody, if you get the opportunity to play there, it's a moment you'll remember forever, but it just happens to be in Dublin.
“We will go wherever we're playing, I know that that's for the top table to decide in terms of where the fixtures are put, but I think because the games are going to be spectacles, regardless of who it is, the more people that can attend and actually get to the games, the better.
“If it's to do with capacity, and I don't know about the capacity of other grounds, but to actually give as many people the opportunity to actually watch the game in real life is probably the main thing to do.
“It's probably a tough decision upstairs, but that's up to them, we go anywhere, I think any player would, it's just an honour to represent your county, so regardless of where that is, it's a huge privilege.”
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