AS FARD AS NAILS

Leinster’s Aussie tough guy Scott has great admiration for hurling hardcore

THERE will be a bigger crowd at Celtic Park but it won’t be as passionate as the one Scott Fardy found himself in at Parnell Park last weekend.

The day after the PRO14 semi-final win over Munster, the big Aussie headed for the Donnycarney venue with Leinster colleagues Jack Mcgrath and Tadhg Furlong.

They watched Dublin and Furlong’s home county Wexford produce a thrilling draw in the Leinster Hurling Championship.

“It was a bit disappointing at the end,” said Fardy, who wore a Wexford top to the game, a gift from Furlong.

“He doesn’t buy much,” joked the veteran forward. “He got me that jacket a while ago.

“He had promised to take me but we couldn’t get down to Wexford. The game being where it was meant it was nice and close, so we headed over.”

It wasn’t his first live hurling game – Fardy also attended the first of the Galway v Clare All-ireland semi-finals last year.

“That went to a replay, so I haven’t seen a win or a loss yet,” exclaimed the Leinster star, who will start in the PRO14 final against Glasgow after coming off the bench last Saturday.

“Sunday was a good day. They’re great athletes and they have an amazing skill level so it is always s good, entertaining watch.

“It’s probably not as violent as rugby league, I’d say!

“Most games take a lot of skill. Rugby and Australian Rules are the same. They take a lot of skills and fitness. Hurling’s on the skilful end.

“I just can’t believe Tadhgie used to run around with them! He’s got nicknames for all the lads. He’s just yelling out their names.

“I love the crowd, I love how passionate they are. It was the same when I went to Croke Park with guys screaming out. I enjoyed that.”

With a massive crowd expected for Glasgow’s home town final, Fardy can expect at least a bit of the same and he gets the significance of playing at Paradise.

“There have been a few Aussies have played for Celtic in the past,” he pointed out.

“Mark Viduka played and Tommy Rogic is there now.

“It’s obviously a famous football ground and I was saying the other day how I’ve played in a few of them now.

“I played in Newcastle last week and in Bilbao last year.

“They are fantastic stadiums, the crowd is right there on top of you and it makes for a really great atmosphere.”