I saw a lone piper belting out a few tunes in the park last week and as always, it reminded me of big G.A.A. days. Before big inter county games, the pipeband ignites the crowd as they lead the two lines of opposing teams around the hallowed turf of Semple Stadium, Croke Park and many other stadiums. At club level, you know if you find yourself marching to the piper's tune that you are one stop away for a major accomplishment.
The colour in Thurles on Munster Final day is something to be experienced. The distinct colours of Munsters counties, whoever they may be on that given day, simmer in their seats. Then the drum rolls and the men start the procession around each corner of the pitch. The simmering colours soon spark to life as each section responds passionately as the teams march past. Watching each part of the stadium rise to applaud its heroes is some sight and one I think is fairly unique to the G.A.A.
My memories of 1989 (i'm pretty sure that was the year) are scarce. Kinsale were in the South East Junior Hurling final and my Uncle John was captain. I was kitted out in the blue jersey and decorated with my headband and all the other accessories required by a mascot. I thought it was the biggest sporting occasion there could be. My club, marching behind the band that I had previously only seen the likes of Jimmy Barry, Teddy Mac, Larry Tompkins & Co march behind. I dreamed of taking my place in the future, walking to the beat.
It took 10 years before that little dream would come through as we played Tracton in the '99 football final. The parade, as its called, gets alot of attention in the build up to the game. Mentors worry about how it will throw lads' concentration off centre. Players deliberate how to handle it. Should they keep the head down or should they really soak it up by surveying all around them?It sounds stupid but that's what lads think about.
For a young fella it can indeed throw you off. I kept the head down that day, conscious of doing anything that may make me waiver. It does different things to different lads but when put in the same position again I decided to keep the head up and soak it up. You work hard, right back since the dark nights in January, so you should enjoy the occasion. If you play shit you can be sure that someone will pick ya up on it after but as time goes on you realise that it doesn't really matter as long as you are comfortable with your approach.
Its great to see all the familiar faces in the crowd. The clarity of their words creep through the noise and it all reinforces the importance of the occassion to those even beyond the team. Of course, its natural that you will spare a look for the opposition. The nature of the line-up of the parade however - captain leading his troops who follow by number - means the mental battle with your marker will have to wait.
As the lines break-off the yelps lift the bank once more and the players take off to stretch the legs for a last time. Each team will treat the national anthem in their own way. Some will stand in position, others in their respective line of the pitch and some teams will all huddle together. Its the time to really get your focus and you suck in the deep breaths, trawling through your instructions in your mind and repeating any personal mantras you may have.
A sharp blow of the whistle and the ball is lofted high above your midfielders and into the heat of battle, commencing the real business of the day. I always associate the pipeband with big G.A.A. days. Its a great tradition and I hope its retained (and that I experience the pleasure of it again!) on our big days.
The colour in Thurles on Munster Final day is something to be experienced. The distinct colours of Munsters counties, whoever they may be on that given day, simmer in their seats. Then the drum rolls and the men start the procession around each corner of the pitch. The simmering colours soon spark to life as each section responds passionately as the teams march past. Watching each part of the stadium rise to applaud its heroes is some sight and one I think is fairly unique to the G.A.A.
My memories of 1989 (i'm pretty sure that was the year) are scarce. Kinsale were in the South East Junior Hurling final and my Uncle John was captain. I was kitted out in the blue jersey and decorated with my headband and all the other accessories required by a mascot. I thought it was the biggest sporting occasion there could be. My club, marching behind the band that I had previously only seen the likes of Jimmy Barry, Teddy Mac, Larry Tompkins & Co march behind. I dreamed of taking my place in the future, walking to the beat.
It took 10 years before that little dream would come through as we played Tracton in the '99 football final. The parade, as its called, gets alot of attention in the build up to the game. Mentors worry about how it will throw lads' concentration off centre. Players deliberate how to handle it. Should they keep the head down or should they really soak it up by surveying all around them?It sounds stupid but that's what lads think about.
For a young fella it can indeed throw you off. I kept the head down that day, conscious of doing anything that may make me waiver. It does different things to different lads but when put in the same position again I decided to keep the head up and soak it up. You work hard, right back since the dark nights in January, so you should enjoy the occasion. If you play shit you can be sure that someone will pick ya up on it after but as time goes on you realise that it doesn't really matter as long as you are comfortable with your approach.
Its great to see all the familiar faces in the crowd. The clarity of their words creep through the noise and it all reinforces the importance of the occassion to those even beyond the team. Of course, its natural that you will spare a look for the opposition. The nature of the line-up of the parade however - captain leading his troops who follow by number - means the mental battle with your marker will have to wait.
As the lines break-off the yelps lift the bank once more and the players take off to stretch the legs for a last time. Each team will treat the national anthem in their own way. Some will stand in position, others in their respective line of the pitch and some teams will all huddle together. Its the time to really get your focus and you suck in the deep breaths, trawling through your instructions in your mind and repeating any personal mantras you may have.
A sharp blow of the whistle and the ball is lofted high above your midfielders and into the heat of battle, commencing the real business of the day. I always associate the pipeband with big G.A.A. days. Its a great tradition and I hope its retained (and that I experience the pleasure of it again!) on our big days.
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