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The moment James McCarthy's father knew he had something special

Dad John is no stranger to Gaelic football — himself a former All-Ireland winner with Dublin.

James McCarthy and Kevin McManamon celebrate with The Sam Maguire McCarthy lifting Sam Maguire alongside Kevin McManamon back in September. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

JAMES MCCARTHY has followed in his father’s footsteps to line out for Dublin as an inter-county footballer.

At the age of 27, the Ballymun Kickhams man has won five All-Ireland senior football titles with the reigning champions — already surpassing his dad, who lifted Sam Maguire on three occasions during the 1970s.

In this video released ahead of Friday’s PwC All Stars, the pair speak about early memories of training together and the moment John realised his son had what it takes to go all the way to the top.

Jamesie, as a young lad, you could see he had special kind of abilities,” says John. “He was very athletic.

“If I could relate to one particular thing in school, they were running a cross-country race out in Baldoyle. Coming to the last lap, the clown took the wrong route.

“By the time he got back, there were 100 guys ahead of him. But he didn’t panic, he worked his way back and at the line he was beaten by two yards to finish fourth.

“Then I said ‘this guy, he can do something’. I knew he could do something after that.”

PwC Ireland / YouTube

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    Mute Begrudgy
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    Mar 10th 2012, 11:26 AM

    It will be an ugly match but ireland by 10 to 15 points.

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    Mute John O'Connor
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    Mar 10th 2012, 9:19 AM

    hopefully it’s a win for the Irish on less we trow it away Scotland have a half desent side and will give us a game

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    Mute Peter O' Neill
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    Mar 10th 2012, 12:03 PM

    With so many Irish injuries say it will be close, but Scotland haven’t really played at all well in last few years and have trouble scoring tries so will guess Ireland by 8 Points (+ / – 2)

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    Mute Seamus89
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    Mar 10th 2012, 1:13 PM

    It’ll be an ugly match, but have a feeling that Scotland could take it! Would feel that they’d be hungrier, and have played some decent rugby in the last few matches. O Connell will be a big loss too.

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    Mute Leø Nally
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    Mar 10th 2012, 1:01 PM

    If we keep Hogg and Blair quiet aswell as compete at the lineouts we will stroll it.

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    Mute Conchúir O Sé
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    Mar 10th 2012, 12:33 PM

    Ireland by a brace is say. It’ll be won in the last 15 minutes. We’re a fitter better team, Scotland will threaten but struggle to finish. If the backline clicks together they can carve their defence. It’ll be an ugly forward battle and while POC will be missed Best brings a level head to the armband role. Eire Abú

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