Category: PERSONAL
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The standard Dunboyne initiation that gave so much more in return
From as far back as when I was in Primary school, my powers of recall were often a topic of discussion. Especially if the subject matter was either sport or farming related. Even though to some of the assembled audience, mention of either would constitute fountains of useless information. Be that as it may, I…
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Mick Reilly – A Tribute
At what point did you notice yourself getting old? Or older at least. Personally, seeing ‘older’ relatives pass away back in the years probably have had a different effect than is now the case. You know the way it is when you’re a youngster, ‘grown ups’ seem eons older when the reality may in fact…
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When heroes become best friends time stands still
How exactly the fixation on Colm O’Rourke as my first hero began is unclear. The best guess which can be hazarded regarding same is that the distinctive blue bandage on the wounded left knee and his tendency to kick the ball 100ft up in the air when going for a point were what set him…
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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.…