Heart shows as Na Piarsaigh seize the day at Croke Park

St Patrick’s Day in this country is a special occasion but the All-Ireland club finals in Croke Park adds extra layers of magic to that feeling, especially for real GAA people who love the club game.

For those lucky enough to have their clubs represented on the day, it must be a kind of utopian experience, a feeling of limitless pride in your own community, your own people.

I love the day. There is a real sense that this is different. Earthier. Purer. No matter what you say, county hurling and football can be elitist. The person who is involved with the finance committee, who is over the U12s, who takes the junior ladies football team, the guy who sweeps out the dressing room — they are all part of that club jersey. That is the real difference between the club and county.