One of the quintessentially Irish sporting spectacles is the on-field post match interview. What is great about these events is not the immediate thoughts of a player or manager behind the back drop of the field of battle. Oh no, what truly elevates the on-field post match interview is the supporting players of this occurrence i.e. the 'buckos'.
'Buckos' are the people that show up in the background of GAA televised interviews. They can take many shapes and forms, they can be old, young, male, female, drunk, sober. They nearly always hunt in packs have little in the way of shame and are, more often than not, more entertaining than the interview itself.
Here is a breakdown of the phenomenon that is the bucko and how they conspire to make a great GAA post match interview.
1. They assemble quickly
Look at how quickly as well as the sheer number of (mainly Dublin) fans that crowd around Francis McInerney after Clares' defeat to Dublin in 1992. The poor man is crowded out before he knows where he is. A bucko magnet.
2. Children
Children are always a vital part of the bucko scene. They offer divilement, energy and totally undercut whatever serious point is being made by the interviewee. This clip after the Wexford Waterford match a few weeks back is a perfect example of a few junior buckos doing what comes best. Also watch out for the forty(ish) year old man letting his childishness get the better of him.
3. Man holding baby
Again in the aftermath of the game in Wexford park another staple of the on-field interview was on display: man holding baby. Rarely for the child's benefit, man holding baby is usually designed so a father can get a bit of screen time under the guise of a baby's curiosity.
4. Theft
A rare occurrence, theft is usually a by product of borderline molestation (which we will cover in due course), but when it occurs, it's the cherry on the top of the 'GAA on-field post match interview' cake.
5. Boderline Molestation
Borderline molestation happens after a provincial or all Ireland win as fans accost players and managers with the fervour of blood thirsty zombies. Martin McHugh nearly gets swept away by the rabble in the aftermath of the 1997 Ulster football final.
6. Dabbing/Dancing
Dabbing is a new tool in the bucko's arsenal and while traditional buckos will stick to their tried and tested dance moves, some practitioners will always be pushing the envelope when it comes to eejitry.
7. Glory Holes
Glory holes are one of the most common types of bucko you will come across. The are usually low energy only straining to make sure all of their head is in frame. They remain silent, even stoic, as if being televised nationwide bestows them with some sort of innate grace and prestige. Check out this glory hole on the left after Mayo's 1996 All Ireland loss to Meath.
