The incredible story of how Laois turned away a Dublin legend 12 years ago

That turned out well...

• 4 All-Irelands
• 6 Leinster titles
• 3 National Football Leagues

Not bad going for Denis Bastick and, at 35, he's going for one more year... at least. Bastick will keep going until Jim Gavin tells him his time is up. Right now, neither Gavin, Bastick or his grateful teammates want him to stop. He's doing just grand. Sparked by the news that Leitrim's footballers are actively seeking to recruit players from outside the county - enacting GAA's version of 'The Granny Rule' - SportsJOE GAA editor Colm Parkinson discussed the concept with Armagh legend Stevie McDonnell and Conan Doherty. "If it is in the rule-book," McDonnell reasoned, "absolutely. If you are a manager trying to get the best for your team, then why not?" "My own mother is from Louth but I would never, NEVER have considered playing for them," McDonnell remarked. Parkinson then revealed how Laois had a chance to get Bastick onto the senior footballing panel back in 2005. During The GAA Hour Football Show, he said:

"Mick O'Dwyer loved variations of that Granny Rule. When he took us over, Shane Cook who grew up in Dublin and played football in Dublin but who had family connections in Laois. He was drafted into the squad. "And wait until you hear this - it will knock you off your seat. Denis Bastick has Laois connections. In 2005, he had a trial with Laois but didn't make the panel. That'll tell you how stupid we are down there!"

In fairness to O'Dwyer, Laois did have Padraig Clancy and Noel Garvan in his side at the time. But still, Bastick would have been a handy player to have around. One that got away, and a bloody good one at that.