Divided loyalties for Northside TD ahead of St Vincent’s semi

DUBLIN Bay North TD Finian McGrath (Ind) will have a special interest in this weekend’s big GAA match involving the Pride of Marino, St Vincent’s.

The current All-Ireland Club Champions will be putting their title on the line this Saturday (February 14) when they take on Galway team Corofin in the semi-final in Tullamore. A place in the final at Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day is at stake.

Galway native Deputy McGrath, who is a member of St Vincent’s GAA Club, has a cousin, Kieran McGrath, playing at corner back for the opposition, and is

“getting a bit of slagging

? locally.

Deputy McGrath is a particular admirer of the St Vincent’s corner forward Mossy Quinn and, ironically, his cousin could be marking the Dublin star on the day.

“I certainly won’t be passing on any match day tactics,

? Deputy McGrath assured the St Vincent’s faithful.

“What goes on in Marino – stays in Marino!

?

Deputy McGrath, a regular sponsor of the juvenile section of the Northside club, said he has many friends involved with St Vincent’s.

“I wish the team the very best of luck on February 14 in Tullamore,

? he said.

“I also wish to acknowledge and commend all the mentors, coaches, players and parents for the role they are playing on this journey. I acknowledge and commend their voluntary efforts.

?

Deputy McGrath is also hoping that many of the St Vincent’s players who are on the fringes of the Dublin team get their chance with Jim Gavin’s senior team later this year.

“It is very difficult for these fringe players to make an impact with Dublin when they are unable to play in the earlier league games due to their commitment to their club campaign,

? he added.

“Hopefully, they’ll be given their chance later in the year.

?

Cllr Damian O’Farrell (Ind), who represents the Clontarf Local Electoral Area (LEA), said:

“I want to wish everyone connected to St Vincent’s the very best this Saturday.

“It’s great to see all the blue and white flags flying in the community and here’s hoping they remain in place right up to the St Patrick’s Day final in Croke Park.

?

St Vincent’s defeated Offaly club Rhode 1-13 to 0-6 in the Leinster Final to book their place in the last four.