Flying the Cork flag at Comórtas
MÚSCRAÍ teams did themselves proud on the field above at Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta in Mayo at the weekend – and not just in terms of football.
Cill na Marta PRO Máire Uí Laoire was in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh (Toormakeady) to watch her team fall short in the senior final against An Ghaeltacht, but the disappointment of that loss wasn’t nearly enough to overpower her positive views of the weekend.
“Beating Naomh Conaill from Donegal in the semi-final felt like a ´championship win,” she said. “The Donegal team were going for a three-in-a-row, and we weren’t given a hope of beating them. But the lads were exceptional and got the better of them by a point.
“It took its toll though. We picked up a lot of injuries, and even some of the lads who played the final were carrying a few niggles. It was very hard to keep the momentum going after such a pulsating win, and we ran out of gas against An Ghaeltacht. But sure what harm? We had a great weekend.”
After winning their opening match of the Junior competition, Béal Átha ‘n Ghaorthaidh fell to Donegal opponents and eventual champions Naomh Náille.
Football has never been the Comórtas’ sole concern, however, and club Chairperson Seán Ó Tuama was proud to hear his club’s players and supporters embracing the Irish language and the spraoi that always goes hand-in-hand with the football.
“Some people don’t speak Irish because it might not be seen as cool, but at the comórtas it’s considered uncool not to speak Irish,” Seán said.
“We were there on the Saturday night in the nearby pub, and in the space of a good few hours I didn’t hear a word of English spoken. Our lads, as ever, gave it their best on the field in falling to a very strong team, and I was proud of that, but I was just as proud to hear them all using Irish as they were playing.”
But can a competition like the Comórtas survive as the GAA hurtles at a future in which it’s professional in all but name?
“There were thousands, as usual, at the Comórtas, it’s an incredible event,” Seán said.
“The Comórtas will always have its place, because it’s about a lot more than football. We were able to meet people from all over the country in the marquee and enjoy a drink or a chat with them. Where else would you get it?”
And Máire’s words correlate entirely with Séan’s opinion.
“While a lot of people in Cill na Martra speak Irish, obviously, not everybody is 100 per cent confident speaking the language. But everyone involved with out club at least made an effort over the weekend, and you couldn’t be anything but proud of that.
“It’s in Donegal next year, but please God you’ll see plenty from Múscraí above there. All the clubs from around here support the Comórtas, and long may it survive.”