The safe, strong hands of Brian O'Grady

When Brian O'Grady shakes your hand you know it. He looks you in the eye, takes a firm grip and doesn't let go until he decides it's the right time. A man you could place your trust in. A man who had your back. 

As insignificant birthdays all pass you begin to lose bits and pieces of your memory but if my diminishing memory serves me right the 'shemozzle' could indeed have taken place around the small parallelogram. It was my first year on the minor football circuit, my first year in the blue of Thurles Sarsfields. I was a much better hurler but at that age you'll play anything. I remember it being a fine summer evening, perhaps a Saturday? All my many female fans from both the Presentation and Ursuline Convents were dolled up and in attendance. The stand was packed, the pitch was as far from level as possible and there was a sense of anticipation in the air. A lot of the previous information may not be accurate but I do know who our opponents were.... Kickhams!

As the ball broke in behind the full-back line midway through the first-half, I swept across in majestic fashion to clear the danger. However, I was soon in the grip of Derek 'Dessie' Treacy (sadly, he has since passed on) and in danger myself. Treacy was pumped up and before I knew it I, former altar boy and all round walking saint, was being 'roughed up' as my many female fans looked on, mouths open, aghast I think the word is. "You'll have to go through me first, Treacy!" were the next words I heard as O'Grady, my commander in chief, stepped in to save me. I'll never forget those words! His safe, strong hands shuffled me to safety as the 'handbags' were put down and play commenced. I had survived. 

The rivalry between Sarsfields and Kickhams was almost tribal and I experienced it as both a player and supporter many times after. However, when the final whistle sounded both sets of players shook hands, talked as they tried to catch their breath en route to the dressing rooms and maybe even socialised together later that night. Nobody was caught by the balls, before or after the game. How times have changed?!? 

After being slapped with a reported eight suspensions following their controversial semi-final win over Kerry's Dromid Pearses in Portlaoise last month, Derrytresk last night launched an appeal process ahead of Sunday week's final clash with Galway champions Clonbur. 

What happened did not fall under the category of 'handbags' as many have suggested and needs to be dealt with accordingly. I for one hope Derrytresk's appeal falls on the deafest of deaf ears! A clear message needs to be sent out that barbaric behaviour, behaviour that reportedly made a man's wife and two kids cry on the sidelines, cannot and will not be tolerated. Suspensions have to be dished out to not only the players involved, on both sides, but to the idiots who jumped the fence and got involved - they deserve lengthy bans. 

FACT. Melees like the one that marred the game at O'Moore Park happen every weekend up and down the country but that doesn't make it acceptable. On the contrary. 

FICTION. The GAA is in safe, strong hands. More's the pity. 

FACT. O'Grady diffused the situation involving me in Littleton and had he been present in Portlaoise I'm sure things would not have turned so nasty. He's still my hero.