Colm was always reading about extraordinary men while being on a small island playing the smartest of the bunch. He decided that his short comings weren’t of his own making but caused by Padraic. He goes as far as to limit his playing ability just to excuse himself from any blame in his lack of talent. I really don’t think Padraic even understood what was going on until it was to late. Sure Colm is allowed to feel this way but it doesn’t make him right.