O'Shea's longevity is a class apart

On May 10, 2009, touchscreen phones were just coming into prominence as the rollout of 3G was pushing their button counterparts out of existence.

Facebook just surpassed MySpace and Bebo as the most popular social media platforms, while movie streaming site Netflix was posing a real threat to the future of Blockbuster. Not to mention the Swine Flu’s threat to human existence.

It was that exact date that Aidan O’Shea made his championship debut for Mayo against New York in the Bronx, scoring 1-3 along the way too. Last Sunday and 15 years later, the Breaffy man became the record championship appearance holder for an outfield player, surpassing Tyrone’s Seán Cavanagh.

He marked it with another seriously impressive display against the All-Ireland champions and favourites, Dublin. Love him or loathe him, it’s an incredible milestone to reach. The fact he reached it at 33 years-old and is still able to perform at the highest level, against the best opposition, is a testament to him.

He’s arguably the most maligned Mayo player ever, both inside these borders and outside. The same malalignment is why he won’t receive the plaudits he deserves until, and if he ever, wins the Sam Maguire.

Even that won’t satisfy some of his critics. The reality is people have strong personal opinions of him and it tints their view of him as a footballer. It’s not difficult to see why at times, admittedly.

His celebrity status rubs some people up the wrong way. It’s one he doesn’t shy away from either. Endorsements, sponsorship gigs and a public profile. In a world devoid of cynicality, that shouldn’t really be an issue, but our society is far removed from that.

The fact he has never scored in an All-Ireland final is used as a stick to beat him with as a player who ‘doesn’t turn up on the big day.’ Factually, that is far from the truth. But sometimes facts or truth don’t come into play in some peoples’ view.

And likewise, his position in the squad around the time of the Connelly/Holmes managerial saga is something a cohort of the county and national GAA columnists love to always try and lay the blame directly at his feet. Particularly when the season doesn’t end with silverware.

CONSISTENCY OF PERFORMANCE

It has been a long and storied career for O’Shea in a Mayo jersey that could go on for another year or two yet. No-one can doubt his commitment to the Mayo. His consistency of performance over the space of his career is nothing short of brilliant.

Few players can maintain a level that consistent whilst keeping injury free too. Year-on-year on he’s ready for selection come January when the FBD League rolls around. With exception, maybe, of his brief and unsuccessful stint in basketball which ended in an ankle injury. Which was like a red rag to a bull for some.

There’s also an argument to be made that Mayo never really got the best out of him. The ‘Where to play Aidan O’Shea Conundrum’ will forever be debated. He’s been experimented in nearly every position up the spine at some stage or another.

And he has been equally as influential in both midfield and full-forward at different times in his career. Since he has entered his 30s, there has always been whispers that ‘the legs are gone’.

It looked at one stage that an impact sub role might be his immediate future. But he played his way back into team and on Sunday again showed why you can’t leave him out.

Yes, 70 minutes in Croke Park will be a stretch for him. O’Shea also tends to slow up play and drift out the middle when he’s not necessarily needed and, more importantly, not being a threat to the opposition.

Kevin McStay’s style of football can be frustrating for a full forward too. A lack of directness and willingness to kick long requires a lot of patience. In the face of that, O’Shea has had another good season for Mayo, in his 15th year.

He was one of Mayo’s top three performers on Sunday and if they are to progress from the preliminary round next weekend, he’ll need to be at his best.

When he plays well, Mayo do too. That’s the type of player he is.