Irish actor and star of the second Gladiator instalment – Paul Mescal – has spoken of his “sense of pride” watching Armagh win the All-Ireland title back in July.
A Kildare native, Mescal played underage football for the Lilywhites but it’s the Orchardmen – and in particular, manager Kieran McGeeney – he has reserved special praise for.
The 28-year-old spoke to Off the Ball about his beloved Kildare letting Kieran McGeeney go back in 2013. Geezer had managed Kildare between 2007 and 2013 before joining Armagh.
“The big sickener was Kildare losing Kieran McGeeney,” said Mescal, who is a huge GAA fan.
“I’ve no idea what on God’s name what happened. I know it was the [Kildare] clubs that came up against McGeeney. Watching him, I weirdly felt a massive sense of pride watching the Armagh footballers this year.
“I think, the amount of work that went in, that’s a 10 year plan. Kildare got five years into theirs. That [winning an All-Ireland] was totally on the table [with Kildare].
“You saw how much the players bought into him, both in Armagh and also in Kildare. I think losing the All-Ireland semi-final (against Down in 2010) was a stepping stone and I don’t think Kildare were ambitious enough to keep him on.”
Again, earlier in the week, Mescal appeared on ‘Dave Moore Live’ on TodayFM whether he would prefer an Oscar or an All-Ireland medal with Kildare.
True to his roots, Mescal replied: “I mean, like, can you imagine what would happen in Kildare if we won an All-Ireland?
“It would be the most incredible…up the Lillies!
“I think, honestly like, to go up Hogan Stand – I think that would be pretty, pretty, pretty special.
“An Oscar would be great, too, don’t get me wrong.”
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