Anniversary celebrations show how far GAA has come
It was nice to hear every news bulletin on radio and television refer to the historic 125th birthday on Sunday while many newspapers, including the Irish Examiner, wrote complimentary and reflective editorials on the GAA’s contribution to Irish society and its example as a modern democratic voluntary organisation.
It has even been suggested that the running of the country should be handed over to the GAA. Now that’s not a bad idea – I wonder would I have any chance of a cabinet seat if that happened!! TG4 gave over their entire programming on Sunday to the GAA. This was remarkable and a wonderful tribute to the GAA by our Irish language station. TG4 has boldly gone and bravely carved out a niche for themselves in the highly competitive TV stakes by sheer hard work, genuine enterprise and refreshing creativity rather than by going down the much easier and probably more lucrative route of facile imitation and cheap importation.
They excelled themselves on Sunday with a wonderful series of brilliant programmes of their own making. Bravo to all.
Unfortunately, as I was in Thurles on Sunday I didn’t get to see much TV coverage myself but thanks to the DVD I am looking forward to seeing it all over Christmas especially the best 50 goals in football and hurling.
In Thurles, TG4 did honour Jack O’Shea and Henry Shefflin as the two most inspiring players of the last 25 years and while there are a myriad of contenders, I am quite happy with their choices – both are super athletes, super achievers and great personalities and most importantly of all, two fine guys.
Earlier in the morning a special mass was celebrated by Archbishop Dermot Clifford, Patron of the GAA in Thurles Cathedral.
It was a moving occasion augmented by a brilliant young mixed choir. I had the privilege of bringing up Sam Maguire as one of the gifts.
As I handed it to the Archbishop (my former teacher) I whispered to him: “I never thought I’d be presenting the Sam Maguire Cup to you.”
The Kerry county football final was on in Killarney so I was probably the only Kerry person in Thurles on Sunday and the county secretary, Peter Twiss asked me to transport Sam Maguire safely to and from the Premier County.
‘Sam’ was in Lyrecrompane on Saturday night and it was well past midnight before the good people of Duagh would let me take him off for his journey to Thurles the following morning.
Thankfully, ‘Sam’ made it but, unfortunately, his twin Liam MacCarthy didn’t – I understand that Liam was in England so a Waterford Crystal replica had to suffice.
Following a wreath laying ceremony by Christy Cooney it was off to Semple Stadium for a brilliant Munster Club championship game between Newtownshandrum and Thurles Sarsfields with the wily man from the little parish just edging home by the narrowest of margins.
Cusack wanted “to bring back the hurling” all those years ago. He must have been most pleased to see the hurling served up on Sunday by two wonderful club teams – worthy champions of two of our greatest hurling fortresses, Cork and Tipperary.
The evening was concluded then with the presentation of the “Laochra Gael Awards” to Tipperary stalwart volunteers for many years. For many of the 34 recipients it may have been the first time the GAA has formally thanked them.
I think the Laochra Gael concept started in Wexford and two great servants of the GAA introduced them to Tipperary – Noel Morris (former Co. Chairman and current football chairman) and that wonderful referee, John Moloney. Among those who were recognised were two lovely women Peggy Gleeson (Loughmore/Castleiney) and 91-year-old Hannah Hanley of Aherlow.
On the 125th anniversary of the GAA it was a nice touch to include among the recipients the Patron of the GAA, Archbishop Clifford, Pat Walsh (grand-nephew of Maurice Davin), Fr. Phil Barry of the Pallotine Fathers and Michael Hogan nephew of Michael Hogan who was shot dead in Croke Park on Bloody Sunday (Nov 21st 1920). I was absolutely thrilled to meet Michael Hogan on Sunday as I have longed to shake his hand. You will remember on the week before Ireland played England in Croke Park in February 2007 there was much talk about desecrating the memory of Michael Hogan by playing the English national anthem in Croke Park. But his nephew bravely said that the English should be welcomed and their anthem respected. I believe that had a huge influence and helped clam things down considerably. I had the privilege on Sunday to thank him for his broad-mindedness and courage.
He said: “Sean, a democratic decision was made to open Croke Park. You must respect democracy.” Yes the GAA has come a long way – thanks to the sacrifices and dedication of people like Michael Hogan, the Laochra Gael and the thousands of other Laochra who have carried the flag of the GAA since that great little meeting in the Billiard Room of Hayes Hotel all of 125 years ago.
