It is rare that the speeches after a great sporting event stand on par with the action played out before them, but in Sunday’s All-Ireland Football final, there was a rare confluence of events.
Armagh was in only their third Final in history and bidding to win their second-ever title.
The President of the GAA, elected earlier this year, was on the team that won the first of these titles a little over two decades ago.
He happens to be a charismatic leader and a Headmaster in his regular job, and he delivered a memorable introduction only last weekend before handing over the Liam McCarthy Cup to Clare’s Tony Kelly.
He also happens to be the father of the player who was in possession of the ball when the final whistle blew, and Armagh were able to celebrate in style.
So, for those who were aware of some or all of those elements, his picking up the microphone was a moment of anticipation.
“If you are a parent who has put a set of GAA posts in your back garden, this belongs to you.”
“If you are a coach from under-eight to senior, this belongs to you.”
“If you are a member of a committee at any level that organises our games voluntarily, this belongs to you. “
“If you are a linesman or umpire at our club matches or underage games in cold winters, this belongs to you.”
“If you line the pitch, cut the grass, or put out flags, this belongs to you.”
“If you make the tea after the game or you are a teacher who gives up their time to prepare pupils and develop our games, this belongs to you.”
“Today is your day because the GAA is where we all belong.”
“Today belongs to Ard Mhacha.”
“Today belongs to a man who lifted the cup here in 2002 and who stuck with this team for the last ten years; he’s now the manager, Kieran McGeeney.”
“I know that while many of you are thinking about loved ones who are not here today and absent friends, I know that the people of Armagh will not mind if I single out the Grimley family, and Niall Grimley in particular, for the loss they suffered.”
“Now, the formalities. To a man from the Lough Shore and Maghery who has struggled with this team for the last 13 seasons, there’s his wife and his child; they made the same sacrifices he has.”
“Now, it gives me great pleasure to present the Sam Maguire Cup to the captain of Armagh, Aidan Forker.”
270 words, spoken with passion to his sport, his people, his county, his friends and his family.
Brilliant
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