The passing of Kerry legend Mick O’Dwyer earlier this month touched every corner of the country. A larger-than-life character, astute businessman, and extraordinary footballer and manager, 'Micko' was truly an icon of the GAA. You didn't have to follow sport to appreciate the impact this man had on modern Irish life.
A touching documentary charting Micko’s remarkable life first aired in 2018. Following his passing, memorable snippets resurfaced across social media. Its opening sequence - a beautifully captured two-and-a-half-minute introduction featuring Micko’s frail yet unequivocal voice.
His words: “I don’t believe there is anything better than watching football. I’m addicted, totally addicted to the game. Sure, I’ve been stuck in the bloody thing for the last 70-odd years. So, I’m afraid I’ll keep at it now until I go into the grave. I’d like to be on the sideline or stand and drop dead - that’s the way I’d like it to happen.”
Given an hour of free time, there’s nothing I'd rather do than watch hurling or football - club or county, senior or underage. It really doesn’t matter. Every game offers the opportunity to learn something new or spot a future star in the making.
Appreciating hurling and football
In Galway, we are incredibly fortunate with the quality of our competitions, teams, and players across all codes. Just last weekend, even without senior men’s inter-county hurling and football action, we had our ladies' football and camogie teams competing in league finals at Croke Park. Add in exciting midweek U-20 action and a host of club league matches around the county.
If you like GAA, Galway is the mecca.
So, when the Galway Advertiser team asked if I’d be interested in writing a weekly GAA column for the coming months, I jumped at the chance. It's an opportunity to blend two of my greatest passions - writing and sport - and hopefully ignite some lively debates, discussions, and ideas around the trials and triumphs of Galway GAA.
For those unfamiliar with me, I hail proudly from Peterswell, in the heart of St Thomas’ country. Growing up, hurling was practically the only show in town; participation wasn't just encouraged - it was expected given small playing resources. On the field, I quickly became aware my role was to help "carry the piano," leaving the playing to my more skilful teammates. I was a better observer than participant.
Although Gaelic football featured only occasionally during my youth, the game always captivated me. Witnessing Ja Fallon, Michael Donnellan, and Pádraic Joyce in their pomp could convert even the most devoted hurling supporter to genuflect at football’s altar. Spending six years working in North Galway only deepened my appreciation. You had little choice anyway, unless, of course, you enjoy feeling like a social outcast when football inevitably crops up in conversation.
My first All-Ireland experience in the flesh was in 1998 and I was lucky to be there in 2001 as the 'The Fields of Athenry' rang around Croke Park long before the full-time whistle. Of course, 2017 will always hold a special place for obvious reasons, but each victory made me immensely proud to call Galway home.
Galway the best dual county in Ireland
Given our competitiveness across all codes, Galway unquestionably remains the best dual county in Ireland - a remarkable achievement. Something we don’t credit ourselves enough for and is often too quickly glossed over.
This weekend marks the true lift-off of the inter-county seasons. The hurlers begin in the fortress that is Nowlan Park against Kilkenny, marking the beginning of Micheál Donoghue’s second tenure. While an All-Ireland title might currently seem overly ambitious given the rebuilding process underway, I firmly believe Galway possesses the talent to end Kilkenny's recent dominance and make a genuine run at the Bob O’Keeffe Cup. Emerging stars like Gavin Lee and Tiernan Killeen may still be finding their feet, but the talent is undeniably there. Saturday could mark the first crucial step in this journey.
In football, following a successful transatlantic trip both on and off the pitch, Pádraic Joyce’s side welcomes Roscommon to Pearse Stadium on Sunday. Galway seek a first Connacht four-in-a-row since the mid-1960s. However, with the recent structure changes diminishing the significance of provincial titles, many within the county would gladly exchange another Connacht crown for capturing Sam Maguire later this summer. Though getting one over the neighbours is a valuable commodity, always.
As the season progresses, we'll delve deeper into fixture analysis, results, statistics, and key talking points. For now, I'll leave you with another timeless quote from Micko:
“I’d a marvellous run but wasn’t I lucky to be born in Kerry.”
We should all feel equally fortunate to come from Galway.
