Former President Paddy to cheer on Down at Croke

Paddy McFlynn has seen and done it all in the administration of the game. He is the only man to represent Down at the highest level of office in the GAA as President, holding office from 1979 to 1982.

And while the Lawrencetown man never got to preside over a Down Sam-winning year, he hopes to see the climax of one this time.

"I'll be there, God willing. I'll be going down with one of my friends who takes me in the car. One of the perks of being a former President is that you get a pass into the games and VIP treatment," he joked.

"I'm looking forward to it and I think we can beat Cork. Down are playing very well and all the players look to me to be committed to the cause.

"They've surprised everyone with just how well they have done so far and hopefully there's one more surprise in them."

Originally a Derry man, Paddy moved to Gilford in 1953 to teach in the school in the town, but his love affair with Gaelic games started well before then.

"I've been involved in the GAA ever since 1934. I moved from Derry and spent five years in Ballinahinch before moving on to Gilford.

"I still attend as many meetings as I can at Tullylish; I'm President of the club so I like to be involved as much as I'm able to be."

Paddy was full of praise for another native of the area - Down boss James McCartan.

swagger

"He has them playing well and full of confidence," said Paddy. "I watched them against Kerry and I knew we were going to beat them because we had a swagger about us, that's something James has instilled in them and confidence usually leads to success.

"I think having Marty Clarke back has been a great boost because before then you had Benny Coulter playing on his own and our forwards were lacking height. He's a great reader of the game and he adds a bit of quality. Paul McComiskey and Danny Hughes are two very good players as well.

"But I don't think they are anywhere near as good as the teams of the 1960's," he added. "We're very vunerable at the back so that's something that needs worked on before the final as it's something Cork could take advantage of."

One of the most controversial points of this season's campaign has been the decision to ban pitch invasions, and the former President says he is in favour of the decision.

"It certainly looks a lot more civilised and there is a big improvement to proceedings on the day.

"I was at the hurling final the other week and I thought it was good that the players were able to talk to each other and enjoy the occasion rather than be manhandled by supporters.

"It's dangerous too for supporters as someone could get injured. But overall I thought it looked well," he said.