In a special little Haven

An odd thing happened after yesterday’s county final in Cork’s Páirc Uí Chaoimh — but only odd if you’ve failed to grasp how much of a community occasion a Castlehaven championship match is to the people of the locality.

Not long after Seanie Cahalane had punched the steel grey skies with the Andy Scannell Cup, Haven players began returning to the dressing room, but only to pick up some orange bits and sundry items. Soon after they were back on the pitch, where post-Mass pockets of community chatter were up and running.

There were no laps of the stadium or airplane slides along the pitch. As the players warmed down they gradually joined the huddles to chew the fat on another Haven hope and glory occasion. Each comfortable in their own company.