Michael Carton has been winning battles all his life.
On the field, the O'Tooles club man was the tigerish half back on one of Dublin's best hurling teams. Half forwards were always in for a difficult day against Carton, with his bustling athleticism, his tight marking and his supremacy in the air.
When Dublin won their first Leinster hurling title in 52 years in the summer of 2013, it was the culmination of five revolutionary years for the capital city's hurlers under Clare legend Anthony Daly, and Carton was one of Dalo's loyalest lieutenants for every step of the journey.
The Carton brothers, Peadar and Mick, had the spirit and determination that Dalo wanted, that Dublin needed.
Off the field, Carton played and still plays a role just as pivotal for his county. Affectionately known as 'Fireman Mick,' the 35-year-old puts his life on the line for the good of others and he does it all with a smile on his face.
https://twitter.com/firemanmick7/status/947575572540067841
Just last week, the GAA community and indeed communities further afield, were rocked by the news that Carton was in hospital having contracted the Covid-19 virus.
"Found out I have an infection on my lungs, on oxygen, viral meds and antibiotics to fight infection and to try bump up my oxygen levels so hopefully does the job over the next few days," he tweeted.
That one so young, so fit and healthy could be drawn into battle by this virus underlined its seriousness for many.
https://twitter.com/firemanmick7/status/1239946296640901120
Thankfully, after a hellish fortnight, Carton has revealed that he is back on the mend having "become symptom free."
"I was discharged (the doctors were happy with my blood results.) I'm very grateful to the staff in the mater hospital,most of the nurses looking after me weren't from that ward, so they were working with a new team in really hazardous conditions doing their very best.
"I'd just like to thank everyone again,I've never been too emotional but I was overwhelmed by all the messages from everybody to me and all my family from all walks of life, my energy levels still aren't great but improving every day so thanks again..."
https://twitter.com/GAA__JOE/status/1244514136295452672
No better man, Mick. A good news story at a difficult time.
