Monthly Archives: May 2016

The other night Westmeath GAA’s Warren Casserly finished the u21 match against Kilkenny GAA with a goal to his name and a significant slice in his head. As the saying goes pain is temporary but the glory lasts forever. Don’t ask what your county can do for you but what you can do for your county. For Warren and hundreds of other lads, it is worth it. What’s in a jersey?

Westmeath don't beat Kilkenny in hurling matches, the just don't. But they did. And for Warren and every man among them it made every minute of everything they've done worthwhile. Not to mention the grown men openly weeping in the stand. The county game. The pinnacle of your career. Epictetus the Greek knew all about it.

So you wish to conquer in the Olympic

The Dublin Jersey: Style and Finesse

There’s something about the Dublin GAA jersey. Reminds you of an Irish summer. For years now the Dubs have been trendsetters.

From the change to navy shorts from white in 1974 on the advice of media presenter Mick Dunne because it would look better on the telly; to the famous white O’Neills tracksuits they wore onto the field for the All Ireland final, the Dubs epitomized cool. 

In the seventies, the Dublin players were like stars in the city, at a time when the GAA was at a low ebb and needed a injection of life and quickly. The sky blue jersey with the famous navy and white trim, a classic. It was instantly cool, and the sort of kit others wanted to mimic and source. I remember a primary school team looking like mini Dubs with the same shirts and shorts. Since then it’s been one classic

It’s all about to kick off. Or throw in as the case may be.

Imagine if every county captain gave his speech at the start of the year instead of the end, the things he would say, the hopes, the expectations, the dreams. The people that have brought us to this great day. Only four men can lift a provincial football championship and only one lucky man will ascend those Hogan Steps.

Fail to Prepare Prepare to Fail

Getting a team to the championship starting line is a big enough ask. Every man and woman has his or her part to play no matter how big or how small. The Co Board flat out sorting tickets. Logistics in the form of food and transport for players. Maybe a minor team to sort out as well. All hands to the pump..

Pundits may speculate on the potential of a different format for the GAA fan everywhere, but when it’s warm weather, and the smell of fresh cut grass filling up the senses, it means one thing and one thing only, The Championship.