Gold cannot match true GAA values

THERE are times, and this column stands guilty of this failing, when we go around with a frown on our face as we bellyache about all the things that are wrong in the GAA.

The reality is there is far more right with it than wrong, something which Chrissy McKaigue, the Derry and Slaugthneil dual star, highlighted when he revealed the contents of a letter he received this week.

It was written by Dr Charlie McManus but inked in the spirit of the late Pat Shovelin (below) — Donegal’s goalkeeping coach in Jim McGuiness’ All-Irelandwinning back-room in 2012.

The letter was composed in the last few weeks of Pat’s life last year when he was informed his cancer was terminable and he had the idea of a charity match between the 2012 Donegal team and his own All-Star selection.

This week McManus, also a member of that Donegal backroom team, penned a letter to McKaigue to inform him be had earned his place on that team.

‘I know it’s not a county final medal, a provincial medal or a Celtic cross. However, I can assure you that such was the esteem, respect and absolute love the people of Donegal had for Pat Shovelin that your place on the team, for me and many more, is amongst the highest of accolades,’ McManus wrote.

‘Perhaps, at some time of your life, on or off the field, when things are not going to plan and you need a pick-up, that you can draw inspiration and confidence from his letter and realise that a great man, a man you never met, thought you were the best in your position to face his beloved Donegal.

They could cast All-Star gongs in 90 carat solid gold but it would never hold the value of that sentiment.