Eimear Ryan: Sorry Paudie, making excuses for the Tipp fans' no-show

I admit that I was one of those fair-weather fans who did not make the trek to the Gaelic Grounds to support Tipp

Wed, 11 May, 2022 - 22:30

Nothing quite strikes remorse into a fan’s heart like a reproachful tweet from a recently retired legend. "Very disappointing support for our boys in limerick today," tweeted Paudie Maher, for it was he, last Sunday evening. "They deserve better. For 60 mins was there for us, ran outa steam after pouring everything into it. Proud." He signed off with blue and gold heart emojis. Paudie is proud of the players, but as for us fans? He’s not mad, just disappointed.

I admit that I was one of those fair-weather fans who did not make the trek to the Gaelic Grounds to support Tipp in their do-or-die third-round clash against Limerick. Oh, I had a raft of excuses. First off, I’d been to a wonderful wedding up the country on Friday and was still, in a word, bate. Secondly, I had my own Sunday morning training session – by the time I was home and showered, it was noon, too late to be driving up to Limerick for a 2pm fixture. And truth be told, I haven’t been to an intercounty hurling match since the 2019 All-Ireland final. Post-Covid, I’m still finding it hard to get up off the couch on Sundays, as I’m sure many others are. Bar some intercounty camogie matches last year, I haven’t felt the call of the terraces yet.