Horse and Cart Dubs’ supporter says team will ride roughshod over Mayo

There is hardly a more colourful or dedicated Dubs’ fan than Hugh O’Connor.

While former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has boasted about being at every All-Ireland involving Dublin since 1963, Hugh (68) can trump that, having been to almost every Dublin championship game since the All-Ireland final of 1955, which Dublin lost.

Hugh lives on Henrietta Street, where he keeps his two Irish draught horses Dolly and Penny in stables .

Growing up in inner-city Dublin, his father’s game was soccer, but he took a different tack.

"Gaelic football was always my game. I've no interest in soccer. If Ireland was playing Brazil tomorrow and you gave me free tickets, I wouldn't go. I have no interest whatsoever."

Three years ago, he was contracted by Johnnie Fox’s pub in Glencullen to act as probably the most effective moving advertising billboard in the city.

His horse and cart, piled high with random bits of antique bric-a-brac, can be seen outside the Gresham Hotel, Trinity College or St Stephen's Green most days.

His cart is now festooned with Dublin flags and Hugh wears a jersey and cap.

“I’ll be shocked if we don’t do it,” he says, “we’ve bet them twice already this year.

"I don't think Mayo is a great team. If Pat Gilroy had played a proper team last year, Mayo would never have beaten us in the semi-final. Dublin are four or five points better than Mayo."