The View –Three finals, terrace fighting and GAAGO bashing– all in a week’s work
By Noel Dundon
A shock is defined in the dictionary as being “a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience.”
It’s probably not right then to define Upperchurch Drombane’s victory over Loughmore Castleiney in the Centenary Agri mid Tipperary senior hurling semi-final as a shock. That has been the lazy description of the result on many media and social media channels, but anyone who has been watching the senior hurling championships in the division over the last number of years will attest that this Upperchurch Drombane performance was no flash in the pan.
The club has featured in a number of senior hurling finals in recent times – this will be their fourth since 2014 – Sarsfields (2017) and Drom-Inch (2019 and 2014) defeated them in the three mentioned. And, they have been mighty close to getting over the line with a number of big performances coming their way, but ultimately coming up just short.
So, while they are seeking a first ever championship title in the grade on Sunday, Sarsfields are seeking their 47th – a clear thirty ahead of their closes rivals in the pecking order, Moycarkey Borris.
The clash won’t be quite the David and Goliath one might expect though, and that’s why the description of the ‘shock’ at the Loughmore Castleiney result seems very much miscategorised. Sarsfields will be very wary – they have witnessed first-hand the difficulties these Upperchurch Drombane lads can pose teams and their run in the county championship in 2022 certainly seems to have stood to them and helped them kick on.
There was no such ‘shock’ in west Tipperary as Clonoulty Rossmore swept aside the challenge of tame Cashel King Cormacks. Being honest, I thought that perhaps, a shock might have been on the cards here – Cashel looked to be coming good at the right time. But, Clonoulty Rossmore – one of the most consistent clubs in Tipperary- were in no mood to relinquish their hold on the west silverware. Their eighth title in succession – they must have squatters rights to it at this stage.
Nenagh Éire Óg and Kiladangan will battle it out in north Tipperary to decide who will be the kings. Victory for Kiladangan will bring to within one of holders Nenagh’s ten titles – last years county finalists managing to defeat Borris-Ileigh in the semi-final despite having been down to thirteen men at the end. Keep an eye out for this game – it could be a cracking contest.
The south final was postponed last weekend but goes ahead next weekend instead. Killenaule and Carrick Swans have had an extra week to ready themselves for what is being billed a battle royale. The Robins are the favourites, but the Swans, when they flap their wings, can be very dangerous indeed. The silverware is expected to be nested in Derrynaflan land, but Carrick are ‘Suir’ to have something to say about that.
Clash of the asses
The recent disturbing images of violent clashes in the terraces during the Monaghan vs Armagh and Clare vs Kilkenny football and hurling games should be worrying in the extreme from an Association viewpoint. One of the most impressive aspects of any big game in Semple Stadium, or Croke Park, of Brewster Park, or Páirc Ui Chaoimh, or anywhere you care to mention, is the fact that supporters walk side-by-side to the games, sit amongst each other in the stands, and pitch up hip-to-hip on the terraces. In many other sports they are segregated to avoid trouble – soccer being our most obvious example.
Were we to lose this unique aspect of our games it would be very regrettable indeed. But, we should hardly be surprised either that problems are emerging. Society has changed; fist fights are commonplace most weekends; and when emotions run high, and with alcohol and God knows what else on board, scraps materialise. Whether it is in the terrace, in the niteclub, the pub or on the street after midnight, the same ingredients are leadings to verbal abuse, scraps, antic-social behaviour and problems. Here’s a big question then – should the sale of alcohol be outlawed by the Association in all grounds?
I should point out that it is only a very small minority who have tried their best Mike Tyson impression and banning alcohol outright would impact on everyone, rather than the problematic few. But, it’s an issue the GAA needs to look at …and fast. Because videos, such as those which emerged in recent weeks, will result in serious calls for segregation if they continue to emerge. And remember, everybody now has a phone and is a potential QuentinTarantino.
GAAGO
GAAGO went and dominated half a day of questioning in Dáil Éireann last week and the usual arguments were put forward as to why it is such an affront on the good people of back sticks Ireland. Politicians played to the gallery, bulled, blustered and really ended up achieving nothing apart from trying to make themselves the unlikely stars of reality TV, Oireachtas style. Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath even threw the cashless style grenade into the mix for explosive effect – it didn’t even light a match by the way. That ship has sailed but some are still standing on the quay.
Here’s a personal experience. Having been abroad recently we used GAAGO to watch the football All-Ireland quarter finals – the service was brilliant and it was just wonderful to watch the games in comfortable surrounds rather than trying to find a pub which might be streaming them. The analysis was top notch and the reception very clear indeed – there was no buffering or breaking down.
Now that service is exactly what was available at home as these games were behind the pay wall. And yes, the argument that these games should be on free to air is perhaps a valid one. But so too is the argument that there are far more games now in a much more condensed season and free-to-air TV just cannot cope.
This kind of broadcasting is here to stay so rather than jumping and swearing, and cursing and tearing, communities need to figure out ways of ensuring that those who have difficulties seeing games can do so. Why not stream the games in local clubhouses for instance and invite anyone who wishes to see them to come along. We hear of the GAA being accused of leaving behind the elderly or vulnerable – well, that would be a great community service surely.
Clubs stood up and were counted during the Covid 19 crisis. They went above and beyond for members. Well, there’s a simple way of continuing that – think of the chat and interaction such an event could generate. It could well be the only chat somebody might be treated to on a given day. Throw in a cuppa if possible and make it a social event
It’s the Semple things than count
A brilliant initiative in FBD Semple Stadium last week saw many retired people visit the grounds where they were treated to a guided tour and provided with anecdotes and tales about the place. Helpful advice was also provided at this pilot project which was staged by the county Tipperary Health and Wellbeing Committee in conjunction with the management of Semple Stadium and the County Board. The behind the scene tour of Semple Stadium for the active retired was a highlight for those on tour and saw county final referee John McCormack (Knockavilla Kickhams) from An Garda Siochana chatting and advising on personal security and interestingly on garda policing operations for games in Semple Stadium.
What a great initiative and a welcome cuppa was also provided by FBD Semple Stadium Director David Morgan to help keep the energy levels up. It could pave the way for further such events in future.
Mar focal scoir
Don’t forget to support the camogie ladies next weekend in their All-Ireland semi-final against Waterford in Nowlan Park. Best of luck to the management and all the panel.
By Jonathan Cullen Thu 20th Jul
