National treasure

Years ago many Irish abroad searched frantically for Radio Brazzaville for the short-wave commentary on an All-Ireland final.

Maybe the broadcast facilitated the Irish missionaries in Africa, but in North America and Australia people would usually search in vain.

Now Irish people around the world are able to tune in and watch the match on their computers in living colour. No doubt, there will also be bars frequented by young Irish immigrants in Boston, Chicago, New York, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney that will show the game, and their Irish patrons will be able to watch in an atmosphere like home.

For those from Cork or Clare, the outcome will be significant, but for most other people it will be the spectacle that will count. The All-Ireland hurling final is a particularly exciting occasion, because it provides a wonderful platform to demonstrate the unique skills of the game of hurling.

It is a fantastic occasion that we tend to take for granted at home, but it will likely take on new significance for the young Irish immigrants abroad — from the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann to the raising of the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

They will appreciate the game and the occasion as a national treasure. So should we all.