WHERE YOUNG HEROES ARE MADE
WHEN Faythe Harriers marched down to Cashel last year, hurls swinging under clenched armpits with a sense of expectancy rather than hope, their pride ensuring that chests were fully puffed out, they did so as an example of what can be possible.
They dominated on their way to the 2016 John West Féile na nGael Division 1 title and, in doing so, paved the way for clubs all around the county to follow suit this year, as Wexford, along with neighbours Kilkenny and Carlow, host the latest edition of Ireland’s largest hurling gathering.
A competition with so much integral community involvement might seem like an event of a bygone era but it’s exactly that old-time companionship feel that makes this tournament special. How often do families around the region open their doors to complete strangers in the name of sport?
Right now, as you read this, a mammy up the country is packing her child’s clothing for the festivities. Down the road, a daddy is making sure the kid is stacked up on protein bars and energy gels for the weekend (it is the 21st century, after all). A sister who played in 2014 is rehashing the tale of the dramatic winning goal that clinched the Division 3 camogie title.
This is not just about hurling strongholds, this is Donegal, this is Sligo, this is Cavan, this is every thirteen- and fourteen-year-old’s dream for the last few years. This weekend has been the aim and county crests guarantee absolutely nothing. The sliothars know nothing about who’s smacking them.
Many of the great exponents of the sport in this country have previously participated in this festival of hurling; the rest wish they had that opportunity. It’s great because the visitors are part of an exclusive group of elite, winning teams from their own county. Yet, for local teams it’s inclusive; whoever wanted to be involved is involved, nobody has been left behind.
For the boys, 176 teams from all corners of the land compete for just eleven cups and eleven shields. For the girls, 112 clubs are split into seven levels. Thirty-six will emerge victorious from hurling and camogie combined, and all competitors - well in excess of five thousand of them - will remember this weekend forever.
Check out the fixtures in this supplement, adopt a visiting team, head out and see some games. There are plenty to enjoy: Friday evening, all day Saturday, crunch time Sunday. This is the GAA in its purest, untarnished form. This is where young heroes are made, where joy is vivid and unbridled, but heartbreak is all around.
This is the John West 2017 Féile na nGael hurling and camogie tournament, so get out there and drink it in. One thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a weekend to remember and who knows when the opportunity to enjoy it will come again. Salute the winners, comfort the losers and always remember the spirit in which this hurling gathering is played - in friendship and in respect.