Category: PERSONAL
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Drowned sorrows and a half pallet from the chipper
It has probably been mentioned in this space over the years that the 2001 All Ireland Football Final between Galway and Meath was one of two occasions during which tears were shed in Croke Park. The other being 6 years prior to that when Dublin well and truly stuffed us in the Leinster Final. The…
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Robin Cunningham – A Personal Tribute
It is with complete shock, disbelief and a broken heart that I have just learned of the passing of Robin Cunningham. One of the kindest, most caring, patient, compassionate people I was ever blessed to meet. A consummate professional in the most difficult line of business there is. Following the death of his dad Rory…
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Wishing you the health and happiness you’ve given to all of us
I learned a long time ago – yes the hard way – that it is generally best to let emotions cool down before commenting on issues which have ground your gears. What tends to be divulged in the immediate aftermath of the occurrence or event might be the unfettered truth but it may end up…
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Only a game? It is in my a**e
On the morning after his brother Tom was laid to rest, da met his namesake the Meath manager in the shop. Meath were playing Dublin in a ‘regulation’ National League match in Croker later that day. Initial inclinations here were for there to be no family representation in GAA HQ that afternoon. Until the herbalist…
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What is the past and will soon become the past gone in the space of a day
Again, I find myself referring to Ireland’s greatest man of letters, Con Houlihan. Apologies if mention of the man who – as he put it himself – was born in a blizzard in December 1925 – has become a bit laboursome. It will be contended, though, that if a point retains credence, it warrants repetition.…
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Strange Sundays – Part I
If any writers, or producers of any media content, have ever experienced the following please drop a line down in the comments. On Sunday morning I started writing a piece relating to the two semi finals of the World Snooker Championship. Specifically, the contrast between the two. The epic encounter between Luca Brecel and Si…
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If phrases are like sports jerseys this one should be retired
During my school years, I was truly blessed to be surrounded by the kindest, most understanding and helpful bunch of lads somebody in my position could hope for. Of course, as with any class of 30-plus, there were one or two who, shall we say, weren’t as mindful of one’s circumstances as were the majority.…
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Even silage sides wouldn’t save some of the load from being a problem this time
July 11th last marked a dozen years since Joe Sheridan scored the most controversial goal ever recorded in Croke Park. A guess would be hazarded that even at this stage Meath supporters are sick talking about it. Yet in recent days, once again, it has been returned to for comparative purposes. You see, only weeks…
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A while in Joey’s company was good for the soul
Did you ever encounter somebody in your life who, over time, ended up feeling more like family than some of those who actually are? There are many ways in which such bonds are formed and manifest themselves and there should be no need to justify how they came about to anybody. Coming at the same…
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This Lad owes his spot in the Press Box to AFR
This corner has often opined that an idle mind is a dangerous thing. Speaking wholly from personal experience, it can be a grave threat to one’s mental stability. On that score, An Fear Rua never had any such worries. Now read on… Liam Cahill slipped quietly out of the world last week. From what I…