GAA whistle up bird stunt but falcon gets red card

Don’t work with children or animals, they say. With the former, the GAA have long succeeded in defying that idiom, but in Croke Park yesterday they tried their hand with a bird of prey and, well, it didn’t go too well.

“Something a little different” was how the MC introduced Flash the falcon as he directed everyone’s gaze towards the Etihad Sky-Line at the corner of the Cusack and Davin Stands.

Flash was expected to swoop down to his handler to deliver the referee’s whistle to James McGrath for the Kilkenny-Limerick hurling semi-final.

But Flash had other ideas; flying behind the Cusack Stand despite vain attempts to beckon him on the pitch. The falcon, who was supposed to be the star of the sponsors’ stunt, eventually appeared but seemed more interested in circling the stadium.

As both teams warmed up and sliotars filled the air, the concerns were that little old Flash would be struck by one of them.

Fortunately, he grew tired and perched himself on the Hogan Stand cup presentation rostrum.

As for the 45,478 fans? Well, you might say they were a little falcon crestfallen.