The flags are flying, the horns are blowing, the jerseys are washed and ready to go. It can only mean one thing – the business end of the GAA. As two All-Ireland final days loom – with football up first, followed by the hurling replays – the dream of Croker and the pride of the parish is what’s on everyone’s mind. It all starts and ends with the GAA. The passion, the excitement, the highs and the lows.
Nothing beats being there, and with the most exciting days of the GAA calendar finally here, we’re talking to some well-known Irish women about their love of our home game; where it all began, stand-out memories and supporters’ tales.
This week, we’re chatting to TV anchor, Colette Fitzpatrick.
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How did you fall in love with the game?
It’s as simple as I’m from Tipperary. It’s like a religion in Tipp’. The GAA was founded in Thurles, so historically it’s always been in our hearts. Almost everyone I grew up with is a supporter or played camogie or hurling.
The fact that my Mum is from Cork makes it even more interesting in our house as there’s a legendary rivalry between the two counties. You mention the Munster final and everyone thinks of classic Tipp’ and Cork matches.
What is your favourite GAA memory from growing up?
Going to matches in Semple Stadium (Thurles). My Dad brought me to Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork too as a young girl. It’s a terrific thing to do with your kids. I brought my two young kids to Semple Stadium for the Tipp’ and Kilkenny league final this year.
They may have been a bit young though as my three-year-old was complaining about the noise! I thought to myself, he’ll have to get used to this atmosphere, especially when Tipp’ plays Kilkenny!
Do you have any stand-out moments as a Tipp’ supporter in Croke Park?
My stand-out moment is when Tipp’ won the All-Ireland in 1989. I was going in my Inter (Junior) Cert year and I remember the buzz in the town before the match. The homecoming was incredible and the team came to our school with the McCarthy Cup. It was like U2 was on stage!
Do/did any of your family play football?
I’m afraid football isn’t anywhere near as big in Tipp’ as hurling. I have no brothers and neither my sister nor myself were any good at camogie.
Our school concentrated on hockey but both my three-year-old son and two-year-old daughter have little hurleys, so maybe they might make it to Croker some day.
What do you make of this year’s championship?
Well clearly, I think it’s been incredible! The first All-Ireland match was sensational. I thought we had lost the game about 10 minutes from the end, but the Tipp’ comeback was incredible.
I have high hopes we’ll beat them (Kilkenny) in the replay on September 27th and I’m hoping for a huge performance from Lar (Corbett) on the day.
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