Going into school on Friday morning, green and white bunting blew in the wind and giant flags grew from the flower beds. Ballincollig was in the intermediate hurling county final and we were getting in the spirit of the village. There is only one way to get young boys and girls involved in sport and that is to give them heroes. The best role models are the local ones where they can see them training and climbing the ladder of sport. In the run up to the match, there was a buzz about the village. After each win, a cavalcade drove through the town blowing horns and attracting attention for the team. This is all part of the fun, but it also serves a serious purpose in promoting the GAA.

Firstly, it garners support for the team and brings the community together. More importantly, it stirs the desire in young children to take part and to win. They want to be in that parade one day. There is a lot of talk about teaching children, that it’s all about participation and that winning is not important. Much as parents might like to teach children this concept, the competitive urge is far more important for success in life. Children need to be able to fight their corners and want to forge ahead. Sport teaches them these skills. It also helps them to take the knocks of life. At the core are the friendships they make along the way.

From a parenting perspective, it is hard to keep all the balls in the air. There is a limit to the number of after-school activities that both children and parents can keep going. It’s best to prioritise. My interest in the Ballincollig team was heightened because one of Philip’s best mates, Ian Caughlan, plays centre forward for Ballincollig. He scored a penalty and Ballincollig lifted the cup. They called into all the schools on Monday to show off the cup and inspire the future players.

Cartoon by Clyde Delaney.

Scarra abú

On Saturday, our local Inniscarra camogie team was playing on Saturday down in Castle Road, Cork. Now our connection to that team is direct. Aileen Sheehan, Philip’s girlfriend, has been wearing the number eight all summer. She also has an All-Ireland medal from her first season with the Cork camogie team.

The day could not have been wetter. The rain was heavy and persistent. Philip and I travelled in together. I’ve attended a lot of the matches and it is fair to say that camogie matches do not get as much support as they should. Those girls train as hard as any of the lads. This was Inniscarra’s third year in a row to be contesting the county final. With two under their belts, they were going for the three in a row. The parish was out in force.

The crowd nestled under colourful umbrellas all around the pitch. It was a lovely sight, even if a bit uncomfortable. We knew most of the people around us which added another dimension. My niece, Kate, was excited to see Aileen playing. She wants to follow in Aileen’s footsteps. The Inniscarra girls delivered in style, seeing off Courcey Rovers comfortably and garnering ‘three in a row’ titles. Aileen would have been mortified if she’d heard me roaring when she scored a point.

The winners

Katie O’Mahony won the best player award. Frank, her Dad, trained our lads. The dedication of GAA trainers, especially of underage players is second to none. I take this opportunity to thank you all across the country. In the rat race of life, sometimes we forget to thank you for all the days when there’s no winning and you are there week in week out.

Treasa McCarthy, Inniscarra captain, thanked everyone involved with the camogie team. Then addressing her fellow players, she said: “Everyone was wishing us luck all week, but it’s not luck that wins three counties in a row. It’s hard work, it’s determination, it’s spirit, it’s hunger and it’s the want to win it.” That certainly summed it up admirably. Best of luck girls in the Munster round and thank you for your skilled displays.