Lights, cameras, but little action

CELEBRATIONS, celebrations; the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the GAA, a clash of two of hurling’s most ancient and celebrated rivals, new floodlights being switched on in what many see as the true home of hurling, Semple Stadium.

At precisely 7pm, to a choreographed countdown, the switch was thrown and slowly, impressively, night was turned to day in Thurles. Ah yes, everything was in place; the party was long since organised and advertised, the thousands of kids who had been brought along by their local clubs added their youthful energy to the occasion; the pipe band played and the choir sang, the Thurles Gospel Choir’s harmonious rendition of Oh Happy Day lifting to the heavens.

But it was all something of a damp squib. The guest of honour, you see, failed to turn up. Oh there was a stand-in, a pretender dressed in the same clothes, trying the same tricks, but gamely as the young aspirant tried, it was a poor impression.