In another Ireland, which thankfully was kicked to touch a long time ago, The Dubliners were a hot topic on pulpits near and far. To the extent that a Bishop in Cork declared it was “A Mortal sin to go and see these bearded, drunken, lude people” and that anyone who did was destined for Hell!
The reason the magnificent seven fell foul of the clergy? A song called Seven Drunken Nights. Which basically told the story of a man’s fondness for a jar and how his good lady had to bring in a sub to fill the A. N. Other when he was elsewhere!
Ronnie Drew told a bit more of the story in his autobiography and it will lead nicely to why the preceding is in a sports column:
“It was banned on Radio Eireann, and, you see, that was the funny part, because we got the song from a great Sean Nos singer, a man called Johnny Doon from Galway, and he’d already sung it in Irish on Radio Eireann”!
Bottom line – different language can be used to make something mean different things. Which is why it’s a wonder the GAA didn’t create a Seven Drunken Nights-esque kerfuffle after several counties – including Meath – published their annual expenses. In a move about as surprising as the Pope being a Catholic, the biggest talking point to emerge from the figures being released were the sums being – whisper it – paid to county management teams and backroom personnel.
Now, as is often the case in these situations, the revelation that Meath’s think tank were paid a figure in the region of €76,000 was seen as ample opportunity to take a shot across the bows of Colm O’Rourke. Particularly in light of his oft expressed scepticism regarding GPA. Not that it would bother he of the blessed left boot in the slightest.
Why should it? What is surprising is the fact that the GAA left themselves exposed to such a can of worms being opened and wriggling around the place. For what it’s worth, the monies paid to Colm and his entourage – which he gave a detailed breakdown of to the press after Saturday’s match in Cork – paled in terms of similar expenses paid by other counties for the discharge of commensurate duties. Most notably Mickey Harte et al, who pocketed circa €149,000 from Louth before leaving the Wee County in the lurch. In the process committing what to most Tyrone people would be a grievous betrayal by going behind enemy lines to Derry. Indeed, there would be strong suspicions that there would be at least a cohort in the Oak Leaf County none too pleased at having him in their territory. Understandable too, would they want Billy Morgan in Kerry or Rourkey in Dublin?
However, the who or the how much is not the reason for production of what you are reading. That simply emanated from wondering had the GAA been linguistically disorientated as were Radio Eireann and the clergy by Seven Drunken Nights all those years ago. Think about it – there are people within the Association who cling to the last vestiges of the amateur ethos like the jockey clinging on for dear life even though the few tonnes of horse flesh is obviously going to win the battle with gravity.
What are the expenses retrieved by team personnel only payments for services provided? Valiant attempts can and will be made to dress the figures up as Vouched Expenses. But you know what they say, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, chances are, it is a duck. For clarity though, my main reason for keyboarding the ongoing was a firm conviction that there’s absolutely no need for slurry to be agitated over what expenses these people get. Without them, nothing else would matter.
To my mind. Rather than the faux outrage whipped up about what Colm O’Rourke gets or Mickey Harte gets or anybody else you care to mention for that matter, my greatest bone of contention is, in fact, the disparity between how those involved with teams in a non playing way are looked after commensurate to those who are actually crossing the white line and giving their all. Without whom the ‘extras’ wouldn’t be needed at all.
According to figures seen via the Smaller Fish GAA Podcast, Meath are actually to the forefront of looking after players properly. In fairness, that has always been the case which is something the county can be rightly proud of.
Whatever sum players receive for their efforts, they are worth every cent of it. And then some. Make no mistake about it, at inter county level, regardless of whether it’s male or female or what grade, the commitment, sacrifice and selflessness required is professional in all but name.
Now, the fact the following two examples involve players from the same club (not my own) is just purely coincidence. Though it is true that I have been very fortunate to have made some lifelong friends in the same location.
Most recently, news emerged that Caragh Monaghan of Seneschalstown had stepped away from the Meath Ladies football setup in order to devote herself totally to ‘making it’ as a jockey.
The versatile Monaghan – whose family are steeped in all things Yellow Furze GAA (and horses) was an All Ireland SFC medal winner whilst at the same time, ploughing an equine furrow as part of Gavin Cromwell’s team. Specifically, as groom to two-time, back to back Stayers Hurdle winner Flooring Porter.
However, in pursuance of advancement in the ‘day job’ – as Conditional jockey in both the Cromwell and Ian Donoghue yards – something to give and it’s very much a case of football’s loss. But then, as things currently stand, football won’t put spuds on the table.
Finnegan’s Farm will though. Seeing the great Balrath clan feature on Ireland’s Fittest Family and being a devoted follower of their Vlog of farm life on YouTube brought back memories of a particularly treasured winter.
Following Seneschalstown in the Leinster Club Championship, when Paul Finnegan was a noteworthy corner back and his late father Eddie was among the selectors for the blue and gold.
Over time, it was discovered Eddie was a farmer and contractor of considerable magnitude and repute. So began a friendship which was cut short all too soon when Eddie was called to the machinery shed far away long before his time.
Thankfully, due to the wonders of social media, contact of a sort was re-established with the great footballing farmers. Even if that wasn’t the case, mind you, hope and expectation was that Cathal would get the call into the county panel.
Yet, even for a young player starting out at that level, sacrifice and dedication required is onerous. Forget the arduous coach trip down to and back from Cork, on farms like the Finnegan’s, it’s peak Brussels Sprout harvest season too.
No doubt, Eddie was looking down with pride as his talented grandson made his senior inter county debut and clipped over a point. Then he’d muse that the sprouts won’t harvest themselves!
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