Who: Leo Cullen, head coach of the Leinster rugby team
Where: The smoking area at the back of the Hogan Stand, Croke Park, Dublin 3
When: 4:45pm, August 27th, 2017
Demeanour: Dour
Any other business: I was having a smoke in the open area at the back of the stand at half-time and Leo emerged from the concourse. He was wearing a plain black t-shirt, a pair of jeans and a pair of what I think were casual Gola shoes - I canât remember what colour they were but it was a dark colour. He had what looked like a light, navy waterproof jacket tied around his waist. Leo was in the company of a circa 3 year old boy, who I presume is his son. His son was carrying a bare flagpole in his hand. Leo and his son walked through the assemblage of smokers and make their way towards the exits and descended some steps and disappeared from my sightline. It appeared as if they were leaving the venue.
Who: Des Cahill and Brian McGuigan
Where: Russell Street, passing Gillâs pub, Dublin 3
When: August 27th, 2017, circa 5:32pm
Demeanour: Cahill - cheesy, McGuigan - dour
Any other business: No
Cullen NOT a spot.
Cahill and McGuigan in the vicinity of Croke Park prior to their appearances on The Sunday Game, they were working Iâm afraid. NOT spots.
Who? Joe Canning
Where? Fat Freddies Galway.
When? Just there now.
After two to three pints of porter in Murphys we decided to head home with pizza after a long day in limerick, myself herself the brother and the oul fella.
I got lost and located them heading out of Freddies with a pile of pizzas.
Jaysus, says the Bro, youâll never guess who youâve just missed.
Who? Says I
Joe Canning, says the Bro.
I had a quick internal debate. I knew deep down that the poor lad was wanting a bit of peace and quiet, but out came my inner roaster and in I stalked, slightly purple from the drink, and directly over to the table, arm already extended from the door.
A youngish looking hipstery lad saw me lumbering in the general direction, and looked slightly anxiously at me. He may, in fact, have been on the panel himself, but I had my bead on Joe and was not for turning.
Joe obviously wanted this like herpes, and slightly withdrew.
Undeterred, I stuck my rigid arm into his face.
âbesht of luck Sunday ladâ
As Joe decided discretion was the better part of valour, and reluctantly held out his hand for a shaking, I gave him a hearty âinjoy the day laaadâ, held his hand for longer than I should, turned on heel, and strode out like a butcher reaching for a green flag on sky TV in croke Park.
Joe was thin, fit and neither eating nor drinking.
I felt as soiled and ashamed as @ChocolateMice discarding his underpants in the bin in the regional.
Final impressions, Joe Canning is a gent. I should be wearing farah slacks from birth til death. I am a card carrying redneck.
@ChocolateMice did a lot of things bit he never soiled himself⌠Iâm delighted you met your hero tho, mate⌠Iâm sure this time next week he will look back at it as a pivotal moment in winning Liam.
A good call by Joe to stay away from hurling country this week . Nobody will know him from Adam in the city , No cunts annoying him or looking for tickets .
Itâs a good enough yarn reasonably told.
Iâd prefer tho for the reader to make their own judgement as to whether you acted like a âredneckâ or a âroasterâ. I know youâve porter drank but ramming it down the readers throat was unnecessary.
Iâve campaigned for the establishment of a separate thread for GAA spots (indeed I set one up after encountering The Gooch at a petrol station in Kilcolgan but canât find it now).
However, Iâll still give you a like which should be some consolation for the inevitable ânot a spotâ that you will be getting from the GOAT adjudicator @Mullach_Ide
Simon Harris was acquainting with colleagues in the Westin earlier this evening. Standard TD attire and behaviour. A spot Iâm not proud of but it is what it is.
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