The clash of the ash, the dream of Croker and the pride of the parish. It all starts and ends with the GAA. 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 television presenter and singer Emma O’Driscoll.
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How did you fall in love with the game?
Firstly I started going to games with my husband Liam and then I was asked to take part in RTE’S Celebrity Bainisteoir as a manager to intermediate football team St Patrick’s of Limerick.
I got to see the passion and effort of what goes on behind the scenes first hand. Although we didn’t win the competition fully I was thrilled to see St Patrick’s go from intermediate level to senior level football after the experience and stay there.
What’s your favourite GAA memory from growing up?
I’m a bit new to the game because I grew up in a soccer household. My dad is a soccer referee and heavily into soccer but when limerick won the Munster Hurling Final last year against Cork I’ll never forget the excitement in Limerick.
Do you have a standout moment as a limerick supporter in Croke Park
I went to Croke park for the first time to see the Limerick v Waterford hurling semi final 2007 and they had a brilliant game scoring 5 goals.
The standout moment for any supporter is to see their county play in an all Ireland final. I went in 2007 when they played against Kilkenny.
Do/did any of your family play football/ hurling?
My husband plays hurling and football with his club and also played hurling with the Limerick Intermediate team 2006. I remember arriving into Semple stadium in Thurles with a broken foot and one of the stewards gave me a piggy back up the steps.
What do you make of this years championship?
In football the two standout games of the championship were the two semi finals. Most people probably felt it would be a Dublin v Mayo final but Donegal and Kerry produced great performances to upset the odds and I’m sure it’ll be a fantastic final.
In hurling maybe it never really reached the heights of last year with Kilkenny and Tipperary exiting the championship early it gave hope to Limerick, Clare Dub and Cork to win the Liam Mc Carthy. This year has seen the traditional powers getting back on top with Kilkenny and Tipperary once again facing each other in the All Ireland Final. (Though she might not think this after yesterday’s outstanding final!)
I was also honoured this year to be invited to Croke park as guest MC for the second football semi final Dublin v Donegal in a double header to 81,500 people. The crowd was electric and getting to see the game from pitch level right beside the tunnel was an experience I’ll never forget.
Tickets to the exciting replay of the All-Ireland Hurling Final replay between Kilkenny and Tipperary will be reduced to €50 for stand, €25 for terrace and €10 for children. While tickets are not on general sale, they will be available through county boards and clubs and priority will be given to the competing counties for children’s tickets.
For more information, please visit www.gaa.ie.
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