From the minute Sean Ryder let a big ‘wooooooh’ out of him on the steps of the Hogan stand, you knew this was going to be good.
With a smile on his face and a cup in his hand, it was clear to everyone in Croke Park that Kilmeena’s All-Ireland junior winning captain was in his element. Some captains go through the motions in these speeches, thanking every man, woman and child that’s ever walked the earth but this man wasn’t about to let the moment pass him by.
His few words fell to the ground and after a little joke with Uachtarán an CLG Larry McCarthy, he was up and away. He got the Irish out of the way, ‘that’s enough with the Irish now, I knew a few of us struggle enough with the English,’ he began, before cracking the crowd up with a speech that will live long in the memory.
The supporters and “the wags” got a mention, as did the Croke Park groundsmen, ‘the pitch is close to St Brendan’s back at home, but not quite as good.’ It was a nice touch then as, after a battle that went all the way to extra-time, he had a few heart-felt message for their Kerry opponents, who lay dejected on the pitch.
“To Gneeveguilla. Wow, what a battle. There are no words to describe that. Ye’re a fantastic team, ye pushed us every single minute and ye fucking deserve a huge round of applause boys. I have no doubt that ye will kill it in the intermediate ranks in Kerry.”
In their heartbreak, even they found the stomach to clap the man who was like a councillor up there, addressing the audience like he’s been holding microphones all his life.
Best of all were the closing words, which if they didn’t know already, made sure everyone knows now that this Kilmeena team aren’t finished yet.
“As I said in the county final, this was only the start for this team. But it doesn’t stop here, it will not stop here. And we will continue long, long, long with this team. We’re only young and we’re only getting started. YEEEEES.”
Comhghairdeas le Seán Ryder, captaen le @KilmeenaGAA ⚫⚪ 🏆@GAA_BEO @officialgaa @ConnachtGAA @MayoGAA
#GAABeo | #TheToughest pic.twitter.com/Ujr4zW14La— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) February 6, 2022
Love it.
