Success is very much a family affair for Jack
HISTORY-maker Jack McCaffrey dedicated his success to the love of his family. McCaffrey, who is hotly tipped to be shortlisted for Footballer of the Year, helped Dublin make GAA history on Saturday night by winning five in a row. It was also his fifth AllIreland medal but he insisted that the secret of his success is the guidance offered by his father, former county star Noel. He said: ‘I watched in the lead-up to my first final, highlights of the 1985 All-Ireland final when Kerry beat Dublin. The image at the final whistle is of my father collapsing to his knees distraught. He was very unfortunate never to win an All-Ireland. After finals, he’s the first fella I look for and it’s always a little bit bittersweet because I never knew my grandfather, my dad’s dad, or my grandmother.
‘I’m lucky enough to have my two grandparents on the other side and they take such pride in what I have done. ‘But my father’s parents would have been GAA mad and grandad played for Monaghan, Meath and Dublin. We will end up having a conversation over the next couple of weeks about how proud they would have been.
‘It’ll be a couple of years down the line when I look back on this with him but I’m aware of how much this means to my family and that’s a large part of why I keep going.’
McCaffrey has not just followed in his father’s shoes on the field, but also professionally as a doctor.
And he hailed him yesterday as the ‘biggest influence’ on his life. ‘He’s been an incredible influence on me, and he’s not shy when letting me know I played poorly, and is really honest when I’ve played well.
‘We’re obviously very different, but I’d like to think that I’m honouring him in everything I do.
‘I rarely get to say this to my dad, but I occasionally do, that I admire him so much. ‘And if I can be as principled and passionate and loyal as he is, in my adult life, I’d be very happy how I turned out,’ added McCaffrey.
The Clontarf ace also claimed that his profession as a doctor in Temple Street hospital made playing for Dublin all the more special. ‘Going back to the hospital is something that a lot of us make time for. ‘It is one of those special moments where you get to reflect on things and it puts everything into perspective. ‘You go in and people tend to say football is not important but when you go in and see these sick children trying to get better, I find it is the opposite. ‘It emphasises how important football is, to see the journeys families are on, having really tough times and seeing the relief and joy they get from us playing football just boggles my mind.’ McCaffrey was hailed for marching with a smile in the pre-match parade ahead of the drawn final as he appeared to engage with the crowd, before going on to produce a man-of-the-match performance. However, he made light of the suggestion that his relaxed demeanour had been key to his form. ‘It’s my favourite place in the world. To be walking around Croke Park. I like to think it’s the only time you’ve no responsibilities. ‘You’re just soaking in the moment and realising that you’re living your dream. ‘You see that a lot in life that people don’t get to where they want to get to. And we’ve all been lucky enough to get to do that. ‘If I walk around smiling in the parade and I play well then it’s the best thing in the world. If I walk around smiling in the parade and I play poorly, then I’m a f ****** eejit! ‘I wouldn’t read too much into it,’ he joked.