Our columnist Frank Brandon on how a recent trip to Galway exemplified the importance of the GAA to people, his recent positive experiences while visiting local businesses, the exciting hurling final last weekend, and the building anticipation ahead of Galway’s participation in this weekend’s All-Ireland football final…
It’s Saturday afternoon as I write, and Carol and myself are heading for Galway, where (unusually) we have an appointment in Merlin Park Hospital. It’s a sign of the pressure the HSE is under that they are having appointments on a Saturday. Once upon a time it was Monday to Friday only.
Last week in the Tuam Herald, which I bought mainly to read about Galway’s win in the football semi-final, they asked people around the county to put out their county colours. If our journey was anything to go by, their call has been answered. Flags and bunting were flying everywhere, and there was scarcely a house or outbuilding along the way that didn’t have something maroon and white fluttering in the wind.
All along the route to Galway the display was stunning, and even if you had no Galway blood at all in you, you would have to be impressed by all the colour. In Moylough, the statue of that great Galway footballing legend, Enda Colleran, was recently fitted with a Galway jersey, and while I couldn’t actually see it, I imagine it would have to be his beloved number 2 jersey.
As we took it all in, we realised again how important the GAA is for people. As much colour as there was on display in Galway, there was no doubt every bit as much in Cork and Clare, who were preparing to contest last Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling final – and there can be little doubt that Armagh is a ‘sea of orange’ at the moment.
All week there has been talk about the price of admission to the finals, with stand tickets costing €100. As expensive as they are, the prices compare favourably enough with their rugby and soccer counterparts. However, I find it impossible to accept that if you want to bring your child to sit beside you in the stand, a ticket for them will also cost €100.
A friend of mine and his wife in Clare wanted to bring their three kids – the eldest of whom is 7 years old – to the hurling final, but when they found that the whole lot would cost €500 for tickets alone, they decided to watch the match at home. I suppose it’s all down to health and safety (and a good helping of greed), but it made me think back to my young days when fathers, or anyone else, simply lifted the children up on their shoulders and carried them in to the match free of charge. Not only did they get in for free, they also saw the game while perched upon the same shoulders.
Anyway, as I drove by Newbridge, we passed the house which Fr Lohan, who was our PP in my young days, came from. It reminded me of how we had very shortened Masses on any Sunday when Galway footballers were playing!
Fr Lohan was a Galway football fanatic. On championship days we would nearly be out from Mass before we went in, as he would be in such a rush to get on the road to Tuam or Castlebar or Sligo or wherever the game was. Fr Lohan would say a little prayer for the Galway team before he left. I thought that practice was long gone but was delighted to find that over in Clonbern, Fr Tommy Commins has kept it up, and at Mass there the evening before Galway played Donegal he too said a little prayer for the Galway team and management.
As it obviously worked, I hope (and pray) that he repeats it all again this Saturday night and the Tribesmen do the business against Armagh and bridge a 23-year gap since they were All-Ireland champions.
Anyway, you couldn’t but feel the buzz all around the county over recent days. With the Arts Festival on this week, the Races next week, and hopefully Sam Maguire coming in between, there can be no doubt that Galway is the place to be for the foreseeable future.
Supporting local is a win-win – with such high standards!
I have to admit that we eat out very seldom, and when it does happen we certainly regard it as a bit of a treat. Last Thursday evening we headed to Regan’s in Roscommon, where everything was first class.
The service couldn’t have been better with the staff (special mention to Cian) being very friendly and welcoming, and the food was absolutely delicious.
However, for me the biggest plus on the night was the quality of the Guinness! As we had an abstinent driver, we were able to indulge in a few quiet drinks. Bearing in mind that I am extremely particular when it comes to the pint of plain, you will be impressed to hear that I give the ‘Regan pint’ a highly coveted 10 out of 10.
As I said, we don’t dine out very often, but I can definitely report that our visit to Regan’s ticked every box, and as Arnold Schwarzenegger used to say “I’ll be back”.
One of the things that we hear a lot is that we should try to support local businesses and for that alone, if you are eating out, try to stay local and visit one of the many great restaurants that Roscommon has to offer.
Talking of local businesses, it’s many a year since I first dealt with the proprietor of the Star Trophy Centre out near Ballymoe. Last week – after a long break – I found myself back there again and was delighted to find that Michael Hanley is still very much running the show.
I won’t divulge his actual age, but it won’t be awful long until he will be getting the President’s cheque! Michael told me that he is at work every morning before 8 am, and oftentimes he doesn’t finish up ‘till late evening.
I have to say that it was great to catch up with him again. He is an example of what hard work and positive thinking can do for someone. As I drove away, I wondered where have the years gone. It must be nearly 50 years since I got the trophies from Michael for the short-lived Cockeen’s Mile! I’ll tell you about it some other time.
And finally…Galway go for glory
I am presently getting over one of the best hurling games of all time, in which Clare got the better of Cork by a point after extra-time (last Sunday’s All-Ireland final).
Now I was sort of hoping that ‘The Banner’ would win, but after such an amazing game I am sorry it didn’t end in a draw and give us a chance to have another epic battle in the form of a replay.
However, it wasn’t to be, and at the end of an enthralling contest the MacCarthy Cup was heading back to Clare.
Out here in Creggs we had the first part of our All-Ireland draw last Thursday night, with tickets for last weekend’s hurling final up for grabs. The winner was Athleague man, Ivan Connaughton. I’m sure Ivan enjoyed the night in the Gibson Hotel, followed by the outstanding game.
Tonight (Thursday) we are having the draw for tickets for the football final, and you still have time to enter and give yourself a chance to win two stand tickets, plus a night in the Gibson Hotel.
With Galway in the final, tickets are like gold dust/as scarce as hens’ teeth! You can get them at creggsgaa.ie or from any committee member. We are praying for a Galway win, and let’s hope we see Sam cross the bridge next Monday!
