Thoughts turn to a brand new season
After that slowly but surely thoughts will start turning to 2010 and its endless possibilities.
Unlike some years there were no major controversies in last week’s selections, no glaring omissions or surprising inclusions.
In hurling, people speculated about the omission of JJ Delaney and Eoin Kelly.
But if you feel someone should be included you must be prepared to say who should be excluded.
Yes, Eoin and JJ may have been somewhat unlucky but who among the players selected should they replace?
That’s a harder question and hasn’t really been answered, so the case rests as the 15 selected join the great stars of previous years.
The big question now is will Henry Shefflin go on to surpass DJ Carey and Pat Spillane and win a record-breaking 10 All Stars?
We will all be watching his performances ever closer next year as we ponder that question.
And, of course, coming up behind with ever growing stature is Tommy Walsh, deserving winner of Player of the Year and seven All Stars in a row.
Yes, two superstars on the path to sporting immortality.
The name of Tommy Walsh also came up in football. Tommy is probably the unluckiest player not to make the All Stars this year but with seven players selected to Kilkenny’s six, Kerry won’t be complaining too much.
Vodafone deserve credit for sticking with the All Stars through good times and bad.
It’s always nice for indigenous national sports to be able to gain the financial backing and commendation of major international brands.
I know from my own time as President that Vodafone had a great understanding and commitment to the GAA’s role in Irish society.
Their sponsorship of the All Stars and player of the month awards have added new status and extra dimension to the lives of gaelic players.
Vodafone also announced their new scheme for GAA clubs. This is similar to the arrangement we made with Gaelic Telecom in 2004 where a percentage was given to one’s club, once a person signed up with Gaelic Telecom.
A similar type arrangement has now been introduced by Vodafone for mobile phone users.
On Friday night last, players and officials from both codes and from different counties availed of a rare opportunity to mix and exchange views. It’s a very important dimension to the social aspect of sport and one that helps breakdown barriers and eliminate any hostilities that may have built up during the playing season.
Friday night last also marked the final occasion that RTÉ floor manager, Tadhg De Brún, who has been producing the programme since the 70’s, will operate in that capacity. Tadhg is a legend in broadcasting and the respect he has always shown to All Stars, and audience alike is exemplary. He picked a good year to retire – the 125th year of the GAA and the selection of a Dublin hurler at midfield on the hurling team – Alan McCrabbe.
