McCarthy, aged 33, stands a chance to clinch a record-breaking ninth All-Ireland medal this Sunday, as Kerry and Dublin face off in the All-Ireland final.
Should McCarthy secure a ninth Sam Maguire crown, he would surpass the achievements of former Dublin teammates Cian O’Sullivan, Michael Darragh Macauley, Philly McMahon, and Kevin McManamon, as well as legendary Kerry players Pat Spillane, Mikey Sheehy, Ger Power, Denis ‘Ogie’ Moran, and the late Paidi O Se in terms of titles.
The shining star of Dublin's recent All-Ireland quarter-final victory against Mayo and the semi-final win against Monaghan, the eight-time All-Ireland winner is expected to shine once again in Sunday's highly anticipated match, which is set to kick off at 3.30pm.
Tomás Ó Sé, the former Kerry footballer and a legend in his own right, recently hailed McCarthy as the "finest player to have represented Dublin."
Dublin's James McCarthy is keen so see the younger members of Dublin's squad win an All-Ireland.Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
When questioned about McCarthy's influence on the team, Farrell echoed a similar response to Ó Sé, stating, "Yeah, he's probably the greatest we've ever had," during a press briefing.
Pressed for further explanation, Farrell praised McCarthy's commitment to the team, saying, "Just, he's all in it. It's all about the team. He's the most low maintenance individual you can come across. Every day he's like a lion out there," highlighting his dedication to football and being the best version of himself.
Farrell added, "I'm surprised he came here today [to the All-Ireland final media event] actually. He just wants to play football and be the best version he can for football. I've the utmost admiration for him – as do all the lads."
Acknowledging the clichéd descriptions of spiritual leader and warrior, Farrell emphasised that going into the final without James McCarthy would be a challenging prospect.
“I know it’s cliched – the spiritual leader, the warrior – all that type of stuff. But it would be a tough day going out without James McCarthy, that’s for sure.”
The Dublin versus Kerry match is scheduled to kick off at 3.30 pm on Sunday and can be watched live on RTÉ2.
Teams for the game
Kerry team
1. Shane Ryan
2. Graham O’Sullivan 3. Jason Foley 4. Tom O’Sullivan
5. Paul Murphy 6. Tadhg Morley 7. Gavin White
8. Diarmuid O’Connor 9. Jack Barry
10. Dara Moynihan 11. Seán O’Shea 12. Stephen O’Brien
13. Paudie Clifford 14. David Clifford 15. Paul Geaney
Substitutes:
- Shane Murphy
- Adrian Spillane
- Brian Ó Beaglaoich
- Mike Breen
- Barry Dan O’Sullivan
- Ruairí Murphy
- Micheál Burns
- Killian Spillane
- Dylan Casey
- Donal O’Sullivan
- Ronan Buckley
Dublin team
1. Stephen Cluxton
2. Eoin Murchan , 3. Michael Fitzsimons , 4. David Byrne
5. James McCarthy , 6. John Small 7. Lee Gannon
8. Brian Fenton , 9. Brian Howard
10. Paddy Small , 11. Paul Mannion , 12. Niall Scully
13. Cormac Costello , 14. Con O’Callaghan , 15. Colm Basquel
Substitutes:
- Evan Comerford
- Seán Bugler
- Ciarán Kilkenny
- Tom Lahiff
- Seán McMahon
- Jack McCaffrey
- Ross McGarry
- Cian Murphy
- Daire Newcombe
- Lorcan O’Dell
- Dean Rock
