Actor Chris O'Dowd joins Roscommon U20s for Connacht semi-final prep 

Chris O'Dowd with Roscommon U-20 players, John McGuinness and Eoghan Carthy. Pic: by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Ahead of the Dalata Hotel Group Connacht U20 football semi-final on Wednesday, actor Chris O'Dowd joined the Roscommon team for a training session.

O'Dowd, who played minor and U21 for The Rossies, linked up with Cian Smith's team ahead of their clash with Galway in Castlebar.

The Boyle native lined out in the 1997 Connacht minor final against Mayo. 

“It was brilliant to meet the group and see first-hand the passion they have for the game," said O'Dowd, star of The IT Crowd, Bridesmaids and  Moone Boy. "I watched them train and chatted afterwards – I even got back in goals and some of the lads took shots to test my old keeper skills! My bones feel like jelly.

Chris O'Dowd with the Roscommon U-20 team. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

"But what really struck me was the high standards and professionalism the team have surrounding them at U20s level from their manager Cian Smith who is a fellow Boyle man, from a great stock - to all the backroom staff. As I know, there are no small roles. Every member of the whole crew, makes the difference to the team’s performance, when the big moments come.” 

Now in their second year as title sponsors of the GAA Football U20 Championship, Dalata Hotel Group is deepening its commitment to celebrating those who step up when it matters most, both on and off the pitch, through the continued evolution of its 'For Difference Makers' campaign.