The best want to play against the best.
Waterford’s scintillating semi-final victory over Cork was clouded by the post-game digest, all of which revolved around the controversial incidents involving Austin Gleeson and his namesake Conor.
From the moment Austin Gleeson pulled Luke Meade’s helmet off his head, there was always going to be consternation, particularly seeing as the faceguard rule has been one of the most moot subjects of the summer.
Whether or whether not Gleeson should be allowed to play in the final on the back of his perceived indiscretion has divided many an opinion, none more so than those of GAA Hour Show host Colm Parkinson and Chairman of the standing committee on GAA rules in Jarlath Burns.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that Gleeson has been cleared to play by the GAA.
Austin Gleeson is free to play in the All-Ireland final @MartyM_RTÉ reports live from Croke Park pic.twitter.com/fdH5BuJT0E
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 15, 2017
As reported in today's @ExaminerSport, Austin Gleeson is free to play in the All-Ireland SHC final on September 3. #GAA
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) August 15, 2017
In fairness, you would have been thinking that every hurling person in the country wants to see Austin Gleeson, last year’s hurler and young hurler of the year, play on the biggest stage on the first Sunday of September, apart from, perhaps, a Galway following.
The Tribesmen are aiming to end the famine and raise their first Liam MaCarthy cup since 1988. They could have been excused for wishing a suspension on Gleeson, because his absence, obviously would grant them with a huge, unprecedented advantage over the Déise.
That’s not how Galway’s star forward, in Conor Cooney, views the situation. The St Thomas’ club man was speaking to TV3 when he revealed his admirable take on Gleeson’s case.
Galway's Conor Cooney backs Austin Gleeson for green light for All-Ireland Final. More later on @3NewsIreland at 5.30. #GAA pic.twitter.com/T1ofnTvnGm
— Bernard O'Toole (@BernardOToole) August 15, 2017
As a fellow player, Cooney is well aware of the commitment Gleeson makes to the inter-county game, and he knows that it’s every hurler’s dream to line out in their county’s colours on the first Sunday of September
“To miss the chance of playing in the All-Ireland final is huge. We want Austin to be playing as much as anyone. He’s the hurler of the year, and you want to be playing against the top hurlers, especially in an All-Ireland final.
The 24-year-old even went further and even pleaded Gleeson’s case.
“Please God he’ll get off, there was no intent, there was no malice or anything like that so hopefully he’ll get the chance to play.”
Fair play to him.
We wonder did the people of Galway feel the same way.
