Like many other Dublin football supporters, I had a bit of trouble sleeping last night. The intention was to dye my beard Blue and head into town to soak up some of the All Ireland Fever that's apparently gripping the city. Well that plan was scuppered when I didnt listen to the professionals and refused to bleach my red beard prior to dying it blue, so after a little wait and watching the recording of the Late Late show and Up For The Match I realised that it was now more green than blue.
I like Kerry. But I'm not from Kerry so I wont be wearing any of the Kerry colours, not on my person and certainly not on my face.
A comedy show ensued as I looked to the Twitter machine for support and one piece of advice was "Use dish soap" and so I did, 15 minutes later the suds were pouring out the shower door onto the bathroom floor. My evening was spent cleaning up the now squeeky clean shower.
Today is a massive day for me and for every other GAA supporter in the county and the country. This is the day that one team will be crowned champions of Ireland, they climb the steps on the Hogan stand ad lift the Sam Maguire Trophy, a beast of a Silver beaker that is recognised in every primary school the length and breath of the land.
Why is it that the 3rd Sunday in September is so special? I believe it has something to do with GAA being tribal. Its more than a sport, a good or bad win. Its not about the last game you played but the long winter of following your team around the country with the same level of anxiety before every game. Which team will turn up on the day? Will we play our best or will the dmeons finally get them? Asking yourself questions as you enter a new stadium "Where do I stand?" "What are the host fans like?" "Can I stand over there where the shelter is, I don't want to get soaked ahead of my 3 hour drive home".
The answers to these questions are always easy to find. Sometimes the host fans love you and sometimes they don't. Sometimes, and only sometimes, it doesn't rain so you don't need the covered stand.
So the celebrations are not only for today, they are the culmination of commitment given by amateur players outside of their day jobs to play a sport that defines us as a country.
I'll be in the lower Cusack today with all the other season ticket holders, cheering, cursing, shouting and supporting the boys in blue. Finger crossed Sam Maguire won't be leaving the Fair City today.
Up The Dubs.
ALan
