We may have been defeated by Tipperary but they’re such classy operators on the field and sideline, in the stand and in the media. How can you not respect and indeed like that Tipp set up when you think of talents and personalities like Sheedy, Noel McGrath, Eamon(n) O’Shea, Bonner Maher and Brendan Maher? Then there’s lads like Damien Lawlor, Shane Stapleton and Vincent Hogan in the media, each of them exuding soundness. And a great bunch of passionate supporters.
I noted how the winning manager in both provincial finals made a beeline straight to their vanquished counterparts to share some friendly words before engaging in any meaningful celebrations. That was repeated in each of the semi-finals last weekend when the tables were turned on Kiely and Davy. Cody and Sheedy seemed to acknowledge the games were epics and that the losers played a massive part and expended a huge effort. There was just pure respect and no triumphalism. Great hurling men all round.
You’re not the only one, lost him last year, a proper “hurling man” Loved Tipp, loved beating Cork especially, most of all loved hurling. With u20s and last Sunday, would be a pep in his step now
My auld fella is the same. He would not be computer savvy at all and would want to know is there any rumours online. He would then have the inside track or exclusives as far as he was concerned when he was conversing with his other computer illiterate friends.
I travelled up with him last Sunday for the first time in a while. Same old rituals. Park in O Connell schools (car pointing for home), walk down to Gresham, breakfast in Wynns, couple of pints in Gills.
Really looking forward to Sean Treacy commemoration this year. It’s one of the longest enduring Tipp traditions and would make the hair stand on the back of your neck. We are very hard beat when this event happens and are ready to go to war. Kilkenny lads would probably have their own equivalent ritual elsewhere for the black and tans. The Treacy commemoration promises to take on greater meaning and significance this year given the year that’s in it.
I say this most sincerely. I don’t know how lucky I am. During the darkest days of my ailment, it was those very same chats with the auld fella that kept me going. He’d ring me most nights after the news and we’d rehash conversations from the night before. I know our time is limited so I’ll make the most of it
