Before we go any further, let's just state that 'hurling elitist' is a term of endearment and get it out of the way early. We'll admit it sounds derogatory, but it's not.
The hurling elitist is fine individual who, although possessing a dangerous level of tunnel vision, is steadfast, loyal and immensely proud. They love their sport and rightly so, it's an incredible spectacle that even more people should revel in.
Another true virtue of hurling elitists is that they come from all walks of life. Playing or even supporting the game week-in week-out is not a pre-requisite. All you have to do is acknowledge that hurling is tougher and more exciting than every other sport and you're in with a chance of winning card-carrying membership.
And on days like today, there's no greater sight than watching the intrepid hurling aficionados come alive. The All-Ireland final was fantastic while Ireland vs. Georgia was less so (apart from that turn and shot). The elitists had a field day.
First up was Donal Óg Cusack transcending into hurling nirvana at the end of the game. (Skip to the 4.00 minute mark for the good stuff)
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Given that Ireland vs. Georgia followed hot on the heels of that incredible game, the comparisons were inevitable.
Watching the Soccer after the Hurling is like coming off a roller coaster and going to mass #asleepbeforehalftime
— John O Rourke (@Johnor92) September 7, 2014
International soccer is like watching paint dry after such a triller of a game at HQ.. #hurling — Diarmuid Connolly (@dermoc123) September 7, 2014
Surely there is no way anyone can watch Ireland v Georgia after that epic game of hurling
— Colm Boyle (@colmboyle) September 7, 2014
Jesus of Nazareth help me - how can I watch Georgia v Rep of Ire after that hurling final !'??! — Mortimer Murphy (@MortimerMurphy1) September 7, 2014
Switching from the hurling over to the Ireland and Georgia game has instantly gave me mild depression #PansySport
— Cian Gallagher (@CianGallagherr) September 7, 2014
Imagine watching the dross that is Georgia vs. Ireland after watching the hurling final - it would nearly make you cry. — Neil Walsh (@neilpwalsh) September 7, 2014
Fierce difficult to go from watching full-belt blood&thunder hurling to football especially when 1 of the teams is managed by Martin O'Neill — Spud Murphy (@paddyinpoland) September 7, 2014
Watching the hurling final and then ireland-georgia was like eating a great cake and washing it down with brussel sprouts and prune juice — Kevin O'Shea (@KevO_88_) September 7, 2014
My comedown after that epic hurling final is watching the tripe that is Georgia v Ireland. — Martin McAvinney (@mmcavinney) September 7, 2014
I'll tell ya what I won't be doing after watching this game of hurling.. Watching poxy Ireland play shitty Georgia #Puke #InferiorSport
— Andrew Harte (@Ajharte_5) September 7, 2014
Hard watching Ireland v Georgia after watching hurling. Bit like coming off a roller coaster to get on a seesaw. #hurlingfinal #IRLvGeorgia
— GMcKeown (@GerMcK1976) September 7, 2014
The boredom of the Georgia v Ireland game after watching the hurling ???????????????????? — Aideen Thornton (@Eadaoin_T) September 7, 2014
Not sure I have it in me to watch Ireland v Georgia after the #hurling. Just turned it on and feel a late afternoon snooze coming on!
— Fearghal O'Connor (@Fearghaloc) September 7, 2014
Every single one of those people was 100 percent correct. There was absolutely no contest in terms of excitement, but then again, comparing a particularly enthralling All-Ireland final to a cagey Euro qualifier in Tbilisi isn't really a fair fight.
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
