Enjoying game time half the world away
The brilliant sunshine bathing his pub, Ned Devine’s, makes him squint as the atmosphere builds all around McLean Avenue in Woodlawn.
The Donegal man has had the pub for 12 years but rarely will a TV sporting occasion mean this much to him, personally.
He hurriedly outs his cigarette and directs me toward Teresa McCormack from Donegal Town.
Twenty years ago, all of her Philadelphia-born children, six sons and one daughter were in Croke Park. Yesterday, all seven were back, including her son Paul, a retired NYPD deputy inspector. He was one of 13 extended family in attendance but she’s content to wave the Donegal flag 3,000 miles away.
“I haven’t slept a wink,” she laughs, as fans of both counties file in, handing her the $20 bill required by the TV company which retains a stranglehold over the enthusiasm of the emigré.
UV blinds block out the morning sun. Coffee cups abound because there’ll be no alcohol until midday, heightening the jitters of both sides.
Keith McMahon from Claremorris looks like he could do with taking the edge off, sat alone in a corner of the bar.
“My friends texted from Croke Park, I’d love to be there,” he says quietly.
Almost a year ago, McMahon and countless other Mayo folk who have made New York home were in Gaelic Park for an FBD League game between their heroes and the locals.
“No, that day, you wouldn’t really look ahead to September and think you have a chance. You’d always hope but you never really think it’s going to happen.”
Down the street outside the packed Heritage Bar, Maureen McFadden who is from Creeslough and has been living here for six years, tells the Irish Examiner she spoke to her mother earlier in the morning. “She’ll be too nervous to watch the game,” Maureen says laughing.
“The whole parish is practically closed down. Colm McFadden and Christy Toye play for our club, St Michael’s. There are only about a thousand people. Half of them are probably in Croke Park.”
Further along McLean Avenue, Moriarty’s is less busy than the other two. A lone Donegal fan clad in a green and gold flag smiles broadly under a huge hat. The requisite ice breaker — how long have you been out here? — gets a laugh. “One day.”
This is Patsy Furey from Glenties. He’s a neighbour of Jim McGuinness but booked his holiday in January, caught out by the final’s rare appearance on the fourth Sunday in September.
“My wife and son are at the game so we spoke on the phone. As long as they win, I don’t mind where I am. This will be unforgettable.”
Back at Ned’s at half-time, Rosaline Brennan from Charlestown in Mayo is more confident. She and her Donegal friend Ann Waters have both lived here over 20 years but nowadays use Facebook to keep up with friends who have made it to Croke Park.
When it finally comes time to celebrate their historic win, it’s the Donegal fans spilling out onto the street.
Watching them quietly, Danny Doohan is smiling now. He left Drumnatinney 42 years ago. Around the world, his analysis is being echoed. The two-goal start, the late free out. There’s no need for sadness because on this day, everyone’s in the same place.
