Ok, I’ll take a shot at that one. Let’s consider some reasonable arguments for not attending …
“Is it away up in Croke Park, or in far-off Clare, with the whole day to get there and the price of petrol etc etc?”
No, it’s on just down the road.
“Ah, think I’ll stay home and watch it on telly.”
Not on.
“Laois in the football? Ah we wouldn’t have a hope. Aren’t they All-Ireland Champions?”
No, it’s most likely to be a 50/50 game. There might even be some excitement. We’re actually quite good sometimes.
“Shur Sprat will keep me informed. It’ll be just like being there”.
Good God.
“I love hurling, so I wouldn’t miss the Leinster Final for the WORLD.”
Good. That’s exactly why the game has been fixed for 2.00 to accommodate you.
“The Munster Football Final is on at the same time.”
Worse than meaningless game involving two counties you shouldn’t give a shite about anyway.
“The Wimbledon Men’s Final is on.”
Not til 3.00 and it’s 5 sets, and I presumed you were a GAA fan.
“I’ll go to the next one”.
It’s knockout you moron. Winner takes all, loser gone til next year. Exciting prospect, surely?
It’s the first time the footballers have a home Championship match since this time last year, 52 Sundays ago, possibly the last for another 52.
“God, that’s an awful day”.
It’s beautiful summer sunshine with the mild threat of a passing shower.
“Shur there’ll be plenty there to support the lads if I don’t go.”
No, it’s the footballers today.
“What difference would it make if I was there?”
It’s called supporting for a reason. Shout a bit of encouragement now and then. Contribute to creating an atmosphere. Abuse an official.
“Ara, I couldn’t give a fuck about those fellas, training their bollicks off all year, traveling the country representing my county, doing their best, generally punching above their weight for the last 10 years, for no apparent reward or recognition, or their local Management team. Fuck them.”
Ah okay, I have you now.