The year is almost over lads, and what a year it has been.
No, we’re not advocating getting started on the Christmas shopping yet, bear with us. That first sentence will make perfect sense to hardy GAA fans across the country. September ushers in the greatest days out of them all, and they’re fast approaching. For the uninitiated, should you be lucky enough to score a ticket to one of these grand occasions, there is a certain type of supporter or two that you’ll always encounter, and match day wouldn’t be the same without them…
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The Lovestruck Learner
If she’s a camogie-playing catch who’s found a new beau, or he’s a football-playing God with a new lass on his arm you can be sure the new OH’s will be arriving pitch side to check out the object of their affection in action. You’ll spot the learner guy/girl thanks to the visible discomfort at a new atmosphere, slightly at odds with the besotted smile on their face and the glint in their eye. It will also be patently obvious that their jersey has is fresh off the hanger and has never seen a washing machine, or the memories made over years of heartbreaking support. Be gentle with them.
The Old Hand
She led her team to glory in 1996. He wore his jersey with pride for most of the 80s. You’ll often find that the most unassuming supporters in the crowds are those who know this day best – they’ve walked this road themselves. You’ll never catch these lads and ladies roaring abuse or admonishing officials, they know all too well what it’s like to pour everything you’ve got into representing your colours with pride, heading out on that pitch and leaving nothing behind. They’ll never get rich from GAA, but by God are those memories priceless.
The Proud Parent
Pride in the jersey is a curious phenomenon at the best of times, but add it to pride in your own kin and it’s a wonder that GAA parents don’t just melt/spontaneously combust with the grá in their heart on a match day. To see a stadium cheering for the fruit of your lions is the dream for every parish and county-mad GAA mam or dad, so cheer extra loud when their son or daughter is making a play and maybe have a Kleenex to hand for them when it all becomes too much.
The Eternal Optimist
This fan will always believe in the old saying that “it’s a long road with no turn”. This never-say-die supporter will happily stick a wager on his/her team when they’re rank outsiders, reiterate that it’s a game of two halves when they’re 4-22 to 0-01 down at half time and suggest that a sending off might be a good thing, sparking a “bit of life” into the team if you will. No one knows where the energy comes from, but in the heartbreaking moments it’s always nice to know that there’s one believer. There’s always one believer.
The Walking Know-Your-Sport
This lad is usually flying solo but ends up talking to half the stand. He can recite the 1983 team to you backwards if necessary and could give you a detailed history of every single player on the pitch – in a softly-spoken manner that’s nothing to do with showing-off and is all about a genuine love of the game. Win or lose, he’ll be proud to stand behind them and he’ll be back again for the opener next year, come rain or shine. This guy is the Real McCoy and if you have the pleasure of sharing a pint with him in one of the locals near Croker, there’s every chance you’ll come away with a stellar story or two from behind-the-scenes.
