We don’t like it, but we watch it anyway.
Is it really the night before the All-Ireland final, if you didn’t spend the Saturday night before watching RTÉ’s Up For The Match? Yes, actually, yes it probably is.
Many will get up to much more entertaining things, like warming up for the big day in Copper Face Jacks, or Flannery’s or even a bit of craic with the lads in the local.
For those who are stuck at home, planning to take to the capital city the next morning, you’ll be flicking through the channels, hungry for some type of preview for the big game, and that’s when Up For The Match comes into it’s own.
Not because it’s good, just because it’s there and you don’t really have another option. It’s a bit of craic anyway.
It’s the same old shenanigans from Des Cahill and Gráinne Seoige every time, but sure we tune in to be a part of it, some of us to give out about it, some of us to enjoy it.
It’s the same All-Ireland football final pairing as last year, with Mayo taking on the all-conquering Dubs, and the show will be back boned by a hopeful Mayo crowd and boisterous Dublin representation.
Nothing new there.
Here’s five things we guarantee will happen during the showpiece.
1. Des Cahill is blown away by Gráinne Seoige’s dress
The crowd are going wild, the Mayo and Dublin flags are flying higher than you could ever imagine, there’s only man that can bring the whole place to order, and it’s that man, the effervescent Des Cahill.
He’ll rave about the atmosphere being the best in years, tell us all about the class show that’s in store for us, and then, then he’ll tell us all about his excitement for the big game.
Co-host Gráinne Seoige gets involved with a few wisecracks of her own, and just as the action is all about to kick off, Des will tell us all about Gráinne’s lovely red dress.
Telepathy at it’s finest.
2. Gráinne Seoige telling Des Cahill to calm down
Des lives for this type of thing. He’s mingling with the crowd, he’s buzzing with life, the man just can’t wait to get into the thick of the action.
Gráinne does him a favour and brings him back down to earth, perhaps with a rattling dig, perhaps by luring the Mayo fans into an almighty frenzy, “Is there anybody here from Mayo? How much do ye want to win tomorrow?”
Classic.
Please STOP referring to myself & Grainne Seoige on "Up For The Match", as "Beauty & The Beast". She's under enough pressure!#Clare #Cork
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) September 8, 2013
3. Gráinne showing off her Gaeilge
There’s nothing like speaking a bit of Irish to show just how much you love your country. Gráinne is as líofá as anyone, and being from Connamara she’s not afriad to show it off, smugly.
4. One of the guests had one too many
You know you’ve made it to the big time when you’re chosen to take part in RTÉ’s Up For The Match, why wouldn’t you be celebrating?
There’s always one lad who goes a little bit too far, and forgets his duties, and has the whole of Twitter singing the same song, “That lad was definitely in Flannery’s beforehand.
Sure you couldn’t blame them, it’s All-Ireland final weekend!
5. Des Cahill will get in a Dancing with the stars reference
Mark our words. The fact that he didn’t win that show is a joke in itself, and just like Carl Froch loves talking about knocking George Groves out in front of 80’000 people at Wembley, you won’t need to give Des a second chance to bring up his time as a star of the dancing world.
6. Audience ‘Thug Life’ moment
The cream of the Irish music crop gets the crowd going on the RTÉ showpiece, there’s traditional music in the background, the lead singer is strutting their stuff centre-stage.
They carried away and run up along the steps dividing the audience, some of whom will be in flying form, clapping their hands and smiling widely, others won’t be enjoying the limelight as much.
They’re not taking part in the clapping, you might see a yawn or an eyebrow raised.
“I ain’t clapping, or flying a flag that’s not me.”
7 A background musician going hell for leather
They’ll be playing that banjo or that accordian like it’s the last time they’ll ever get the chance to. Fair dues.
Just like this Waterford man, nearly eating that bodhrán.
8. Marty will make an appearance
The Clare man has been on his travels. He’s been out in the west of Ireland exploring the culture and taking in all the magic.
He’s met the biggest fan in Ireland, and he’s lording it out there.
We love it but we hate it.
