Diary of a Dub
And so
it Begins…
Time for a Revamp as we head
into year 9, new experimental format (which just means I will deny any
responsibility at the slightest criticism..!)
I remember starting
this for a bit of fun 9 years ago (some of the earliest attempts shall never
see the light of day) and I enjoyed looking back at them this week as I
attempted to make sense of what lies ahead. It’s been an incredible journey
over that time, as we came so close and yet so far, but finally reached the
promised land in ’11, after 17 barren and unmerciful years away from Sam.
Tears, snots, laughs, emotions, nerves, targets, and general smartarsednesss
all rolled up into the life of a Dublin GAA supporter.
That is, as they say,
for another day. This is after all The Diary. Move on, nothing to see here!
It’s been quite a year, many a talking point, controversy,
a trophy or two, 35 games unbeaten, a record broken, a media ban, ‘FlagGate’, a
linesman ‘Assaulted’, and lest we not forget ‘DermoGate’! Each in its own right
deserve an episode of its own but ‘tis neither the time nor the place to get
into these. Plenty of time and empty space between now and the third Sunday in
September to revisit.
Bank Holiday August
weekend, can only mean two things. My Daughter’s birthday and All Ireland
Quarter final weekend. Both of importance and significance. Each year brings
another milestone, and a weekend always to look forward to. The column inches
that lie ahead are focused on all things football for now.
This team looks into
the eye of the serious end of the championship, on the cusp of greatness.
Having already surpassed the feats of the great ‘70’s team by winning 4 All
Ireland’s in the same decade, they have the opportunity to do what has not been
done in 31 years by any team (Kerry 1984-86) and by a Dublin team in almost 100
years (1921-23). Yes. 3. In. A. Row. Already talked of as being the team of its
generation, lauded by many, and equally held in contempt for their success,
this team will never have a greater opportunity to cement itself into both
Dublin and GAA folklore for eternity if they can plot a pathway to the steps of
the Hogan stand on September 17th and hold Sam Maguire aloft once
again.
A more difficult road,
you cannot take. Sacrifice, determination, belief, willingness to never say
die, to do as for one and for all are amongst the chasm of inner qualities
going to be required in their search for greatness. Take the northern road, for
3 of teams in our side of the draw are from Ulster and all are of the highest
quality who lack nothing in either ability or will to win. Dublin must be at
their best to just get to a final, one game at time. In Monaghan, expect
footfall, fast and flowing, expect physicality, expect intensity, and expect no
inch to be given. 70 minutes of red heat battle and straight to the Iced-up
wheelie bins in DCU for these boys!
You know, Saturday will
be what it will be. As a supporter, this is Superstitions territory. For some
it’s a Jersey not washed, others have their lucky jocks, some play the ‘Jonah’
card and restrict their circle of friends for Jones’ Road! For some it’s a
pre-match pint in Gill’s, and so on, but this is what makes being a Dubliner
special, it’s the stories of outrageous superstition, the sharing of
experiences, the banter, the nerves, the goose-bumps and the roller coaster of
it all. Truly nothing like Dublin on a Croke Park day, come what may.
And of the road ahead.
I leave you with this.
In search of that which makes you great, offer respect, but
not quarter, offer humility, but not fear. Those who stand with you in the face
of battle, serve only to make you stronger. We stand with you. We will be
there. We will always be there come what may. Every step, every inch, every
step of the way.
And
so it Begins…
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