‘No, I don’t think Croke Park is a massive factor’ – Brian Howard happy to play wherever Dublin are told to

Dublin have hardly put a foot wrong since they started their All-Ireland defence this season, they conquered Leinster as expected and then cruised through their opening two games of the group stages.

Mayo became something of a stumbling block when they pushed the defending champions all the way to a draw; the first blemish in what was a perfect record.

One reason for that is simply because Mayo are a very good team, boasting several stars, such as Ryan O’Donoghue, but another reason being floated around as to why the Dubs weren’t their all-conquering selves was because they weren’t in Croke Park, with the game in Hyde Park.

During the league and Leinster Championship, Croke Park is the stadium where Dublin play their home games, and some people have suggested it’s an unfair advantage.

One of the current boys in blue, Brian Howard, spoke at the All-Ireland series media launch and the versatile footballer doesn’t believe playing outside of the capital hurts the team.

“No, I don’t think Croke Park is a massive factor, I think some of the most enjoyable matches I’ve been involved in have been outside of Croke Park, and I love Breffni, it’s one my favourite stadiums outside of Dublin.

“Even as an underage [player], I remember beating Donegal in an All-Ireland semi-final there, and thankfully, I played well, so I’ve good memories from there.

“It always seems to be when you’re down there that the sun is shining, and the pitch, the way it’s sort of down the hill, spectators are on the pitch, and when you go down to those games, you sort of feel so connected with the fans – whether they come on to the pitch after the game, you’re signing autographs, taking photos, it sort of brings you back down to earth.

“If you’re in Croke Park, you sort of feel like – these are the players, everybody else is just watching you, and then you go back into the dressing room and off you go.

“When you’re down in the likes of Hyde Park, being able to share that experience with fans and kids, regardless of what jersey they have on – if it’s a Mayo jersey you’re signing it, you’re taking photos, and at the end of the day, that’s why they’re there, they love the game.

“Regardless of who comes out on top, it’s just so positive to see the sun shining, you’re with the fans, you’re having a bit of craic.”

With attendances at an all-time low for championship games, there have been suggestions the quarter-finals should be played outside of Croke Park, but Howard believes everyone should get the chance to play there. “There is a narrative that the Dubs all love Croke Park, but I’d be very surprised if any other player in the country doesn’t love Croke Park because that’s the home of the GAA.

“It’s one of the best stadiums in the world. I think anybody if you get the opportunity to play there, it’s a moment you’ll remember forever, but it just happens to be in Dublin.

“We will go wherever we’re playing, I know that that’s for the top table to decide in terms of where the fixtures are put, but I think because the games are going to be spectacles, regardless of who it is, the more people that can attend and get to the games, the better.

“If it’s to do with capacity, and I don’t know about the capacity of other grounds, but to give as many people the opportunity to watch the game in real life is probably the main thing to do.

“It’s probably a tough decision upstairs, but that’s up to them. We go anywhere, I think any player would. It’s just an honour to represent your county, so regardless of where that is, it’s a huge privilege.”

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