With the All Ireland behind us, we take a look at the drive and performance of both the players and their cars. Will the cars skillset match their owners?
Ryan McHugh
When it comes to GAA, Ryan McHugh is as skilled as they come. He is an integral part of Rory Gallagher's Donegal set-up. He has gone from strength to strength since starting with Donegal; winning an All Stars ‘Young Player of the Year’ award and securing Donegal’s 2018 Ulster Senior Football Championship win. His car however, does not necessarily match his skills…
McHugh’s Mitsubishi ASX 1.6 is practical, safe and affordable to run. However, it’s not the fastest or most powerful vehicle in its segment. The 1.6-litre petrol engine is only available with the front-wheel-drive models. It produces 115bhp, which gives it an 11.5-second 0-62mph time and a 114mph top speed. Inside, the driver has a desirable choice of adjustment in both the seat and the steering wheel but the lack of lumbar support makes the drive less comfortable.
The ASX is more than capable to navigate everything from motorway to rural back lanes. The torque from the diesel engine will keep the ASX moving along smoothly but given its lack of power and speed, it is not the most dynamic vehicle in its class - unlike McHugh.
Cian O’Sullivan
Cian O’Sullivan is just one of the three players who have started in each of Dublin’s five All-Ireland finals since 2011. The Kilmacud Crokes player has been at the centre of Dublin’s powerful defence. With skills and composure in abundance, O'Sullivan has been described as the ‘Rolls Royce’ of defenders.
As for the new Subaru XV - it may not look particularly new at first glance, but there’s no denying that it’s an upgraded model in several areas. Quality and kit levels have been finished to a high standard, and its full-time four-wheel drive system makes the XV impressively efficient in conditions that would stop rivals in their tracks.
However, the limited and flat power choices hold it back. The XV engine arrangement consists of two petrol options; a 1.6 and a 2.0 litre engine. With the 1.6 packing 112bhp and the 2.0 delivering 154bhp, neither of those figures sound particularly exciting with the 2.0 covering 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds, and a top speed of 120mph. That being said, the XV does have genuine on-and-off-road capability with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and Subaru’s EyeSight safety system; features that have contributed to the car achieving one of the highest Euro NCAP scores of 2017. 
Joe Canning
The All-Ireland champion, four-time All Star winner and reigning Hurler of the Year Joe Canning has excelled throughout his career with Galway. His expert shooting with the tribesmen resulted in awards in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2017. Even with his long line of successes, Canning’s car manages to match his skillset.
The Audi A5 does not lack in technological sophistication or luxury refinement. It is extremely well engineered with the ability to smoothly hit 60mph from rest . With the latest A5, Audi has stuck to what it knows best and have developed a refined and luxurious four-seater coupe. There are 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI diesels; the 2.0 TDI ultra comes in 190PS form, which has 187bhp, while the 3.0 TDI is offered as a 218PS or 286PS with either 215bhp or 282bhp. Thanks to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive, the A5 has excellent road grip. Even in the tightest corners, it remains steady and dependable, in various weather conditions.
The A5 is a swift, advanced car to drive, easily matching Canning’s ability.
27-Sep-2018