Michael Darragh Macauley has been in imperious form for Dublin during their run to the All Ireland football final.

And despite a good showing against Kerry in a semi-final thriller two weeks ago, he did cop a bit of flak for one moment where he did not pass to Bernard Brogan who may have gone in on goal.

Off The Ball's Diarmuid 'Gizzy' Lyng sat down with the midfielder to discuss this and more ahead of Sunday's All Ireland football final.

"Sure, what does Bernard know about finishing?" joked Macauley of that moment. "It comes down to split second thoughts. Probably if I had to replay that one, I would probably give it to Mr Brogan."

But sometimes ignoring the naysayers and doing things your own way is the right move as the newly-qualified schoolteacher explained in relation to the role basketball has played in his development. 

"Every Gaelic coach that got their hands on me, all they ever said was 'will ye ever give up that oul basketball'. If I had've done what they said and given up the basketball, I wouldn't be sitting here. It's really important. I won't start preaching now but kids should get out there and get involved in whatever their passion is."  

Macualey is full of praise for this Sunday's opponents, Mayo and particularly the battle zone which he will be stalking.

"They've been a free-scoring team and very impressive. Without talking them up, I've been impressed with their midfield of the O'Shea brothers. We're going to have to be at our best to find weaknesses to exploit," he said.

As for his own team, Michael Darragh started off by explaining why Dublin's attacking system is giving him a lease of life and suits his style...

Listen to the full interview below or download the podcast on iTunes:

©INPHO/Cathal Noonan