Mick McDonagh is one of the most recognisable faces to grace the stands at GAA grounds around the country.
Having travelled the length and breadth of Ireland to support Offaly, McDonagh has made a name for himself as a fiercely loyal Faithful County supporter.
He has been an ever-present at Offaly games since being introduced to matches during the 70s and 80s.
McDonagh recalls how his love-affair with GAA has led to him not only going to all Offaly games but any other matches he can make time for.
He told the Irish Mirror: "I remember in the 70s and 80s looking at the Offaly teams on the telly. I love all Offaly teams, and my number one man was Martin Furlong.
"I loved all the players but I looked at Furlong as God. I loved him and I always wanted to play for Offaly in goal and be like him.
"I then started to go to games in O’Connor Park, and when Offaly were knocked out I always wanted more. I looked at the great Dublin teams, great Kerry teams and so on and I just wanted to go and see them play too.
"The first time I saw Offaly play in a senior all Ireland final was in '94 and we played Limerick. I could not relax, I just could not relax. We won that day and I just kept going back and back and back."
Even when Offaly were not involved on the pitch, it did not stop the dedicated fan wearing his green and gold colours and proudly representing his county.
"I remember I think it was the second year of the qualifiers and we played Limerick down in Limerick. The following day I went to the Leinster final in Croke Park.
"Offaly were out of all competitions but I decided to wear my Offaly jersey to the Leinster final and ever since that, I can’t go to a game without wearing the Offaly jersey. I think it’s for the pure love of the game.
"I totally love the games, I went to New York last year to see them and my next adventure will hopefully be to go to Australia to see Ireland v Australia."
Since the coronavirus pandemic hit Ireland, players and dedicated fans such as McDonagh have been desperately waiting for the return to pitches and stands throughout the country.
When asked what he misses most since the postponement, McDonagh said: "I miss watching the games with my friends and I have friends all over Ireland. More people know me and I know them, from going to the games.
"I miss all the banter and meeting up with everyone. I was meant to go to London this year for the London and Roscommon game, but can’t now. I go there nearly every year now over the last few years.
"I miss travelling up and down the country to go see all the games, but mostly just missed the games themselves."
Having attended so many matches down through the years, one might think it impossible for McDonagh to choose a favourite. But one game in particular does stick out in his mind.
He said: "I think my favourite game would be in 2000 when Offaly beat Meath in the Leinster football championship. We won that game by four points, 0-13 to 0-9.
"Ciaran McManus was sent off in a club game. With all due respect to McManus, we didn’t need him that game, because of the football we played that day. It was unreal. That would have to be my favourite."
The 52 year-old explains that one thing he cannot stand is fans turning their back on their county when they are not winning.
He added: "One thing I’ve learnt is regardless of what county you’re from, how big or small your team is, you stick with your team through thick and thin. And all GAA players no matter what county they play for, they go to win, they don’t go to lose."
He continued: "Your team needs you more than ever in the bad times. It’s great to see your county win left, right and centre like Dublin.
"Just like in every county, not just in Offaly, more supporters need to go to the games. I see so many fans come out just when it’s the Championship or Leinster final and they jump on the bandwagon.
"I don’t like anyone running my county down, especially those who do not go to the games. The only people who are allowed to run down your team are those who go to every game in all competitions.
"Those who travel up and down the country to show support, and who turn up in hail rain and snow. Those are the people that are allowed to talk about your team.
"Anyone who only watches the games on TV or listens on the radio, I don’t take for them. I’ve gotten into more arguments than anything else defending my county."
With the GAA heading for a return as coronavirus restrictions are lifted, a knockout championship format looks set to be implemented for this season.
McDonagh weighed in on the debate, urging the GAA not to retain that structure past this season.
He said: "The GAA talking about an open draw this year, I think that should be played for one year and one year only, because I think that the Championship needs to be kept.
"If they need to play it like that this year, then let it be for this year and then back to normal.
"I think that the open draw and the knockout championship this year could possibly give Offaly something. You just never know."
