While we were holidaying in Scotland over two weeks, we managed to be away for the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals and final. I had got quite into the games and was enjoying them immensely, mainly because Diarmuid, my son, who has an intellectual disability, loves the soccer games and we wanted to share the viewing with him.

He supports England, which doesn''t go down well and gets killed for it. His favourite player is Harry Kane and he uses the excuse that he has cousins in England. He had a chart with all the groups marked out and he loved writing in the results.

I felt bad for Diarmuid when England lost to Argentina, especially when we were away. Still, he had a great run. He quickly changed to supporting Spain for the final.

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We were also away for the GAA All-Ireland hurling and football finals. We watched Limerick overcome Galway. I have to admit that they were a class act and one just had to admire their skill and determination. Everyone wants to topple the great teams to give the underdogs a chance.

I sent off congratulations to my friends, the Laverys. Mairead, being from Wicklow, replied telling me about the excitement in her home county after their Tailteann Cup victory. Wicklow will now participate in the Leinster Senior Football Championship in 2027.

The GAA with all its competitions provides such enjoyment. Tim managed to screen the Mayo Kerry game on the television in our hotel room in Scotland. He was very proud of himself. What a game it was, even for a neutral.

Who would have thought that sport would have played such a part in our holiday? Congratulations to all the athletes who provided us with entertainment. The camogie is yet to come

My friends Mary McGreal and Betty Murphy, both from Mayo, got my congratulations on that occasion. Betty admitted to being in bits and I’m sure Mary was too. Seventy-five years is a long time and the whole country wanted them to win. Kerry have delighted with their football expertise over many years, but 2026 is Mayo’s year.

The highlight of our trip to Glasgow was our attendance at the Commonwealth Games. While we were there, we also did the Celtic Park tour and it was most interesting. Our tour guide was an elderly gentleman called Des, and he was a font of knowledge on all things Glasgow Celtic.

Special moment

My special moment was seeing the seat that is reserved for Rod Stewart. Celtic Park was adjacent to the International Arena. It was where the Commonwealth Games were taking place.

We took a walk over there and secured tickets for the artistic gymnastics in the old-fashioned way at the ticket office.

We had a few hours to fill until the start time of 5pm. We passed the time in a traditional pub, having a bite to eat and a drink and watching the Glasgow world go by. It was fun. It could have been anywhere in the world with a clientele that frequented the pub on a regular basis. They all knew each other.

The games proved quite magnificent. We thought we might see Rhys McClenaghan. Alas, his time had been earlier in the day. We did see his score up on the screen as the teams from Canada, Scotland, England, Wales, Australia and Cyprus competed.

The pommel horse was directly below us, with the rings behind. In the centre was the area for the floor exercises and further down were the high bars and vault.

Who would have thought that sport would have played such a part in our holiday? Congratulations to all the athletes who provided us with entertainment. The camogie is yet to come.