Each to their own in supporting role More success for Kilcoole
ONE THING I could never understand, other than Chinese writing, is why some fans are so precious about their sport of choice.
I’m not talking about being fanatical about any particular sport, rather those who can’t seem to comprehend that there’s others out there who simply don’t share their view.
Sport in general isn’t for everyone and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Why do some feel the need try to push their agendas down the throats of others? If others find sport pointless or frivolous, why should it be questioned?
If I’m partial to soccer, hurling, rugby, basketball, cricket or whatever else I couldn’t give a rat’s ass if others are into it or not. Once I can take my seat in a stadium, or in front of the television with a packet of Tayto in hand, I honestly don’t care who else is tuning in.
People should use their energy to cheer on their teams of choice rather than trying to drum up support from those who just couldn’t care less.
There’s been all sorts of indignation lately about those who are unwillingly to lend their unwavering support to the Irish rugby team, for example.
There’s those that would rather watch paint dry than look at the Rugby World Cup and there’s another section of society that will tune in, wringing there hands like Mr Burns of Simpsons fame hoping to witness Ireland’s downfall.
Some are put off by constant fawning over the team, while others think it’s an elitist sport, however misguided their beliefs may be.
I happened to be in a hotel when Ireland faced Samoa in their final Pool A game and while there were plenty in the bar, donning their green jerseys, there was as many milling around the lobby, who were completely oblivious to what was going on, not even raising their heads when a roar went up to indicate a score. That’s life, if we all shared the same beliefs the world would be a very grey place, instead of a myriad of colour.
I just don’t get the neediness of wanting other folk to sing off the same hymn sheet as yourself.
In fact, I often prefer the buzz from being part of a smaller, more loyal group of supporters, a bit like being able to boast that you saw Nirvana supporting Sonic Youth in the Top Hat in Dún Laoghaire on a midweek evening in 1991 before they really burst on the scene and became a household name.
It’s often the case that artists lose some of their appeal when their popularity increases. The bond is so much better when they’re playing in some remote backwater instead of doing stadium tours and the cool edge and mystique disappears as all and sundry jump on the bandwagon.
The majority of those that are into sports are of the fair weather variety to some degree, coming out on glory days but going missing for a large portion of the rest of the year.
That was clear from looking at the Dublin Senior football championship quarter-finals that were televised on Saturday afternoon.
Even with All-Ireland winning footballers like Diarmuid Connolly, Kevin McManamon and Michael Darragh McCauley on show the Parnell Park double-header couldn’t attract any more than would turn up at bingo in a tiny rural parish.
Of course the same can be said for other sports and counties and small attendances are commonplace in much of the country, whether it be local GAA, club rugby, League of Ireland or local soccer, although there will always be a handful of well-supported teams that buck that trend.
The fact is the majority of sports fans travel no further than their television and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Many don’t have the time, money or the inclination to follow their teams of choice and their pontifications are just as valid as the next man.
If you love the Irish rugby team and others don’t share your view, whywoulditbotheryou?
If you find watching the Irish soccer side strangely intoxicating and are willing to lend your support through good times and bad, but it bores others to tears and they can’t take the pain, who cares?
Each to their own. If somebody wants to make the pilgrimage to Croke Park to see Westlife, while you’re swaying to some more high-brow act in Whelan’s, off with them. It’s not for others to judge.
That said, you probably have to draw the line somewhere.
KILCOOLE CARNEW EMMETS 2-12 5-1
KILCOOLE captured the Wicklow Camogie Junior League title on Saturday afternoon in Pearse’s Park, Arklow, when they defeated Carnew.
The first half ebbed and flowed with the half-time score reading Kilcoole 2-6, Carnew 3-1.
As Kilcoole added on points in the second half, Carnew piled on the pressure and in spite of desperate defending from Kilcoole, Carnew were rewarded with two more goals.
It was a battle to the final whistle and finished with a narrow twopoint win for Kilcoole with the final score of Kilcoole 2-12, Carnew 5-1.
Congratulation to Kilcoole as they add the league title to the championship won last month.
They will now ply their trade at Intermediate level for 2020.
Carnew, although disappointed, can be optimistic about the future as they celebrate championship titles at under-16 and under-14 levels.