The story of the summer.
And, no, not in a patronising way, not in a lip-service way. This is the story of the summer because no-one would’ve even dreamed it a few months back.
It’s the story of the summer because there’s no Colin O’Riordan. There’s no Steven O’Brien and there are a few young lads sitting in America as well. It’s the story of the summer because it’s a group of men who weren’t given a cat’s chance in hell coming together and defying the impossible odds.
And it’s still going.
The odds, in hindsight, look stupid. Tipperary are a good team full of good players with a good manager but it took them to ram the chances they were given down the bookies’ throats before anyone would listen.
They’re listening now.
But Kevin Hanly never once tuned out. The Tipp supporter has been following his county to the ends of the island for years now. If the footballers are playing, he’s there. If it’s raining, if it’s snowing, he’s there.
You don’t get many days like Sunday 31 July as a Premier County football fan. But when they come around, they’re special. They’re savoured.
Hanly and the loyal fans were rewarded for their commitment. They didn’t just get to Croke Park, and they didn’t just get a win there, they got an absolutely thrilling hammering session. They got history.
Now Tipp have laid to rest Cork, one of the top teams in the last decade. They’ve put Derry to bed, Division One finalists two years ago, and they slayed a provincial champion en route to the last four. As merit goes, you don’t get much more authority than that.
The players and management have upheld themselves impeccably during this run and they’ve turned heads one by one. And, do you know what else, they’ve damn well earned their respect too.
If #GAA players aren't enjoying it, then what the hell is the point? https://t.co/u69pkUC8CV
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) August 2, 2016
So has Kevin Hanly.
And, when the manic supporter came face to face with one of his heroes in Croker after that monumental win against Galway, he left with a number eight jersey. Thanks to the kindness and classiness of Peter Acheson.
“We are just a small group of supporters following them up and down the country, whether it’s up in Fermanagh or down in Kerry, it doesn’t matter,” Hanly spoke with SportsJOE.
“My father Tim sees himself as a full time taxi driver at times but finally we’re reaping the rewards. I can’t speak highly enough of all the Tipperary football players, their generosity and perseverance is admirable but they are also the most humble group of players you will ever meet and always make time for their supporters, which doesn’t go unnoticed.
“I was especially speechless with Peter’s generosity in giving me his jersey after the game. It wasn’t expected but made the day even more special. Peter is a top class guy and quickly becoming a Tipperary legend and I will treasure the jersey forever.
“Even the back room team appreciate all the fans. For example, the kitman, Tommy Fitzgerald drove up to the house to give me a free ticket for the game on Sunday. It was a really nice gesture from him and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank him and all involved with the team.”
They haven’t just made one man’s season, they’ve made every GAA fan’s year. It’s the story that keeps on giving. They’re the county that keeps on giving.
Roll on the 21st.
Listen to our GAA podcast with Colm Parkinson live from the Tipperary team bus. Click here to subscribe on iTunes.
