Last Sunday was a seminal day for Eastern Gaels …
One of those days when your whole day is GAA … and what else would it be.
The world is round, Meath are Tailteann Cup champions and Kerry are appearing in an All Ireland semi final in Croke Park.
The day began with our Ladies making the short trip across to Slane for a Round 2 Masita Cup tie against the host club. Harry Styles has been and gone … in one direction … and Summer 2023 continued to do what is has done best. Soak us.
It was good to meet Brendan O’Brien for the first time in a while. One of the great refs. Tells you what you are doing wrong without making you feel you are doing anything wrong. Even if you are. And always a smile and chat.
The Ladies were in good form and some excellent football unfolded. The Eastern Gaels support were huddled beneath the trees, beneath the showers and were happy to see their charges claim the three points.
A good morning’s sport played in the best of spirits – as it should be. The next day Slane lost club stalwart Pat Gleeson. Puts everything in perspective. RIP.
Meanwhile over in Tower Road, Mornington, Brendan was greeting the young Gaels who have come in search of further knowledge. Grip, lock, ready … the Little Stars GAA Academy has been lighting up our galaxy since April. We have shooting stars, blocking stars, passing stars – all stars in our eyes. The fun is palpable. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But Brendan is learning. For sure. As are the kids.
Meanwhile over in Seneschalstown there is a whiff of history in the air. Eastern Gaels are about to make their men’s competitive debut in the Coolrite Junior B championship. First ever game … and it in the Championship. Not ideal but not a lot we could do about it other than meet the challenge head on. And we did.
Maybe a dozen lads making their Championship debut. Another seven or eight watching … kicking every ball … so keen to play but snookered behind the transfer ball. Sad …
But what a welcome from Cortown. And our hosts Seneschalstown. Even paparazzi, commentary and Chroniclers chronicling history.
Did we think we would do better? Yes probably. Did we enjoy fielding a dozen men playing Championship football for the first time? Definitely. Did they enjoy it? Completely. Was there a sense of pride? Immensely. Will we improve? Exponentially!
58 years since a new club appeared in the Royal County. Our Ladies rocked Slane, our Academy scaled Tower Road and our Men took their competitive bow. What a distance to travel in less than six months.
The club retired to The Cottage Inn after a heady day – ladies and men alike, truly one club. A long, long day … but one of the great days. The atmosphere was electric … it buzzed of being, of belonging. The pride was palpable from every player – stuck in the middle of something that was truly Gael force.
Eastern Gaels will certainly have more successful days but rarely will we have more satisfying days. A short time, a long distance … but so much more road to travel, so much more road to share with our community in East Meath.
We look forward to sharing this epic journey with you all …
Eastern Gaels abú …
