Kerry legend Páidí Ó Sé has been included on a list of 15 of the toughest men in the history of the GAA.
The late great defender – one of the greatest ever to don the green and gold and a real supporters’ favourite – made the cut in a compilation published by sports website Balls.ie.
Although a polished footballer who won eight All-Ireland medals, Páidí was equally famous for his no nonsense approach on the field of play and not content with giving as good as he got, he always gave it back harder than most.
His direct head-to-head challenges with a succession of Cork and Dublin forwards are legendary and when he went on the manage at inter-county level, he brought his win-at-all-costs or die with your boots on approach with him.
Balls.ie said of the An Ghaeltacht man: “A legend of almost mythic proportions, Páidí’s hardness was overshadowed by his achievements. His ridiculousness toughness is best emphasised by the famous video of his encounter with Dinny Allen.
“Dinny let back the elbow, whacking Páidí in the jaw. Páidí looked a tad startled for a second, before pausing and planting Allen, sending him toppling to the floor”.
Reflecting on his famous motivational ‘A grain of rice will tip the scale’ speech to the Westmeath players when he led them into championship action, Balls.ie said: “No one f***ed Páidí around like a loaf of bread”.
Other tough men to make the list, in both football and hurling, included Diarmuid O’Sullivan (Cork), Mick Lyons (Meath), Francis Bellew (Armagh), Teddy McCarthy (Cork) and Ryan McMenamin (Tyrone).
Don’t leave it too late: It’s the season to book your Christmas advertising: Email news@killarneytoday.com or call 087-2229761
