Batman and Robin, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, Tom and Jerry, black boots and the GAA.
Black boots have historically always had a strong connection with the GAA. In the 1900’s and the early 2000’s, it was the done thing to wear a pair of heavy, dark boots.
For many, it still is the done thing.
If you’re not wearing a pair of black boots, you’re an easy target in the dressing room, you’re seen as “soft”.
Some members of your team, more-often-than-not, the older, strait-laced and more traditional members won’t be too pleased if they see you donning a pair of white, yellow or green beauties.
“This isn’t tiddlywinks we’re playing,” they’ll say.
“Are you going on the catwalk soon?” they’ll ask.
Step up, Kevin Cassidy.
The Gweedore club man took to Twitter on Wednesday to voice his distress at the scarcity of “plain football boots”.
The 35-year-old then went on to class the above-mentioned white, yellow or green beauties as ‘multicoloured nonsense.’
Serious ? are there any companies or sites out there who supply plain football boots anymore as apposed to this multicoloured nonsense?
— Kevin Cassidy (@KCASS7) June 14, 2017
Owen Mulligan, the former Tyrone star backed him up.
Amen 🙏🏻
— Owen Mulligan (@owen_mulligan) June 14, 2017
Hold on a second now, lads.
Firstly, if any GAA player wants to buy a pair of black football boots all they have to do is go to any local sports shop, or to visit any sports retailer online.
You’ll come across the classic Puma Kings, Copa Mundials or Nike Tiempos – “real man boots” as they say. You should have no bother in finding them.
There’s no problem with these classics. Some players see it as a way of life to wear the black boots, some see it as a way of looking tough and hardy.
At the same time, however, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with these multicoloured boots.
Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, more-often-than-not the multicoloured boots are regularly lighter.
If a player wants to wear multi-coloured boots, they should be allowed to do so without criticism. Many players can see it as a manner of expressing themselves, they can see it as a way of standing out. It could be something that boosts their confidence.
We’ve seen many top level GAA performers in the past advertising the “multi-coloured nonsense”.
Pádraic Maher, Tipperary’s tough as nails half-back has sported his fair share of multicoloured boots in the past. The four-time All-Star and the two-time All-Ireland winner with Tipperary has worn white boots. He has even worn blue boots as well.
Maher is one of the hardest, most physical men in the game. Just because he’s wearing multicoloured boots doesn’t mean he won’t put his hand up to catch a high ball for fear of a belt, or shirk a challenge.
Keith Higgins, Mayo’s fiery corner-back is one of the most tenacious defenders in the game. It’s a pity he wears green boots.
There are a number of GAA players around who enjoy a pair of fluorescent boots. They may find them more comfortable, they may enjoy the appearance of them.
One thing for sure is that there’s nothing wrong with wearing them.
Just ask Kevin Cassidy.
@owen_mulligan Bit the bullet Mugsy Blue it is!! If I can't pull them off I'll post them over to you😂 pic.twitter.com/drQNVFjm4u
— Kevin Cassidy (@KCASS7) June 14, 2017
