Shels sure can put on a show
It’s the social aspect of the G.A.A. that’s missed most
FROM THE outside, the G.A.A. is often judged by the income it generates and the glamour, glory and colour of All-Ireland final day when the turnstiles click to the tune of over 80,000 people. It is much more than that, and the argument that most of the Association’s revenue filters back down to the clubs and communities - although true - is for another day. I would venture to bet that during the current lockdown it’s the interaction and social aspect that people miss most and, rather than All-Ireland finals or victories, it would be the drive down to the local field that is the most craved G.A.A. desire. Clubs are well skilled in the use of social functions to raise much-needed funds to provide facilities and equipment, and I have been very fortunate to be part of some of these events around the county. There is nothing more entertaining than a locally-staged show, and over the past few years I have been fortunate (or have had the misfortune, I’m not really sure) to have been master of ceremonies for the men from Over The Water. When Myles Doyle requests your presence, it is hard to say no, and my first outing three years ago in a packed Hotel Curracloe was ‘The Prickly Rose of Shelmalier’. On hitting the stage I was quickly introduced to the razor-like wit of the black and amber, from Joe Kelly’s revelation that he had to have an operation to enter the competition, to being questioned as to why I had dropped a Shels Minor from the Wexford panel a few years earlier. It seemed an innocuous question, but for the fact that the said player’s mother was sitting in the front row. More recently, Myles, still Chairman (I think that man is addicted to hardship) rang to book me (my agent was busy) for their upcoming SHIFTA awards - the Shelmalier International Film and Television Awards. And having gained an assurance of complete respect and no slagging, I agreed to do the honours. True to their word, I was welcomed at the door by committee members and entered a little Hollywood, stunned by the glitz and style.
And with a glass of bubbly thrust into my hand (I think it was champagne), I was treated like a king. I must admit, complacency stepped in.
As I was introduced on stage, somebody shouted over, ‘good man Tom, I haven’t seen you for ages, you’re looking well’, and as I proceeded up the aisle he followed up with, ‘the weight suits you’.
Shortly after, enter Kenny Hearne and Conor Byrne, and another night of hilarity and mayhem followed as normal service resumed in Hanrahan’s.
At least I was able to borrow the one-liner when introducing eminent adjudicator George Lawlor on stage. Suffice to say that if you are looking for good value entertainment, look no further than your local G.A.A. club.
Being appointed captain of your club is one of the game’s greatest honours, and I was reminded recently that things got off to a bad start for me when first assuming the honour.
I was told that I would have to get a little more aggressive in my approach and drive from the front, so I felt a blood and thunder speech would be apt before leaving the dressing-room for the first knockout championship game.
The Alley dressing-room was easily motivated and, having lifted emotions to boiling point, I turned to open the door and the handle fell off, leaving a more than up for it group of players locked in.
Suffice to say, as I looked at the 20 or so furious faces behind me, for a second I feared that I was about to be put through the door, and the opposition became the least of my worries.
It took about five minutes to solve the problem (the longest five of my life), but it’s safe to say I had lost the moment and was never let forget.
I would imagine that G.A.A. chiefs were caught a little off guard by Leo Varadkar’s assertion that there remained a ‘possibility’ of the 2020 All-Ireland hurling and football championships being played behind closed doors.
By adding that it would be a matter for the Association, it puts a little extra heat on Croker to come up with a plan. No more than anybody, I would love to see action this year, but I still think that it should be left for a little while longer to decide.
Social distancing will most likely remain on the roadmap for the foreseeable future and, whilst in place, it will be very difficult to complete championships.
I feel that we should be focusing now on clubs and just getting young people back into the field when it’s safe to offer the social outlet that is so important to everyone.
I think also that local championships could be a step too far as it would be tough on clubs, particularly to be relegated in the current year.
Easing people back into non-contact training and then putting a club plan together for a series of small tournaments to offer game-time (if safe to do so) to our players at the end of summer into autumn could be a solution. The Echo Shield was a great tournament of yesteryear, and this type competition - splitting the twelve teams into four groups under lights - could be an option for Senior fare, and so on down the grades.
It is something that could be started and finished in a short period of time, with cancellation, if necessary, not being a disaster.
I’d prefer this, rather than wading into a championship of uncertainty and perhaps finding ourselves in a Premier League soccer situation (not of their own making, I might add) which is an administrative mess at present.
Club focus incorporates all players and, for me, inter-county championship behind closed doors does not fit and may have to be deferred until next year.
The main priority is that everyone stays safe but my suggestion, although eliminating championship action, might offer a little bit of concrete, yet flexible, hope to our players of some meaningful participation in 2020.
In the meantime, I hope everyone keeps well and stays safe.