It’s that time of year again — Kilkenny is back in the All - Ireland hurling final and once again we need to muster up all the support we can to give the lads the encouragement they need to bring back the Liam McCarthy to its rightful home — in Kilkenny... or so I’m told!
Already the streets of Kilkenny are awash with colour. Driving down by Ossory Park is a picture that any other county could only marvel at. The flags and the bunting are a sight to behold and this will most likely be repeated around the city in the communities and housing estates in the lead up to All-Ireland Sunday.
The quest for tickets is the next big deal and although there are some 80,000 seats in Croke Park — it never seems like it’s enough. However at approx €80 a ticket — some people who would ordinarily have gone to the match with the kids during the good times, will certainly be staying at home and having the neighbours over for the game instead.
Everyone loves going to Croke Park but unfortunately it is not a cheap day out and the trip to the capital will cost punters somewhere in the region of €200 to get there, attend the game, eat and have a few drinks and get home. Some would say this is money well spent and many will save their pennies in order to be able to afford the day out.
However, one would feel sorry for familes who really can’t afford to go to the event at this cost. Children who are hurling fanatics are the people who should be at these events but the cost of schoolboy tickets is even somewhat prohibitive for many.
So this year, many local fans will be showing their support from their living room or from their local tavern. There is nothing wrong with keeping business local at a time like this, indeed. If tickets are hard to come by or you find they are unaffordable, why not organise your own all Ireland event at home. I’m sure many of the local establishments will have big screens and sandwiches for all on the day and of course nothing beats watching the game with like-minded individuals.
Whatever, you do for All-Ireland Sunday, show your support one way or the other. Get out your banners, bunting and flags and decorate your house. Pull out the jersey and don it proudly for the day. Paint the kids’ faces in black and amber and get ready to shout for the Cats.
Don’t let finances or lack of tickets spoil your fun on All-Ireland Sunday. There are more ways than one to soak up the atmosphere and offer your support to Kilkenny’s hurling heroes. And don’t forget — win lose or draw there will always be a homecoming.
