Search Results for 'Jimmy Burke'

In Séamus King’s remarkable book The History of Hurling, there is a reference to hurling being played as far back as 1,200 BC in Tara, Co Meath. The earliest written references to the sport in the Brehon Laws date from the fifth century. It was played in ancient times by teams representing villages, involving hundreds of players, and the match might last several hours, even days.

Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in! I could apply that quote to the Mayo Advertiser asking me to return for a one-off All-Ireland final article or to Mayo football itself. Either way, I am delighted to be in this position in mid-September. As ardent football fans we have been deservedly rewarded in this county. Supporters have fed off our team’s energy and vice versa. That relationship is an essential component for a successful season so do what you can to make it to Dublin this weekend and bring the colour, bring the noise. When the 66-year drought ends this Sunday and the pent-up euphoria is unleashed with little hope of abating, my one concern is that the names of the men who built a football-loving county and laid the foundations for thousands of fanatics and players may be lost in the many celebratory renditions of The Green and Red of Mayo.