Sunday was a day to be grateful to be Irish. For the all the country's flaws, Ireland has created and fostered one of the world's greatest games. And once a year that game - hurling - is given a day on the calendar to be celebrated and cherished.
While the greatness of hurling is obvious, there is something truly majestic about a transcendent All-Ireland final: when the greatest game gets an occasion befitting it. The stars aligned today and Clare and Cork managed to create a spectacle that will never be forgotten by those who watched it.
As it happened, it was Jarlath Burns's first hurling All-Ireland as GAA president. Though his contribution on the day was understated, as you'd expect, it was greatly important and should not be forgotten.
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Jarlath Burns comments on the Irish diaspora
Since taking over as GAA President, Jarlath Burns has hardly put a foot wrong. He has been most effective when holding the microphone just before awarding major trophies. His words are always carefully chosen and passionately delivered. He is a man who understands the gravity of his role and speaks as a leader, not an administrator.
His words before awarding the Liam MacCarthy trophy to Clare captain Tony Kelly today were particularly poignant.
Burns made a special mention to the both the diaspora, who had sought refuge at times when this country was plagued by hardship, and the countries that had taken Irish people in.
He said:
For those people who are our diaspora, who had left this country because of war and famine, and for ancestors who had to leave it, we are thinking of you as you watch it. You are in Croke Park today, if not in body than in spirit, and we thank the countries who took you in and allowed you to make a new name for yourselves with our native games.
GAA President Jarlath Burns with a message more important than ever after the All-Ireland Final.
“For those who are our diaspora, who left this country because of war and famine, whose ancestors had to leave…and we thank the country’s who took you in and gave you jobs”
👏👏 pic.twitter.com/IRaW4TgWps— Daniel Lambert (@dlLambo) July 21, 2024
No more was said about the matter but the context was plain. In a week where unrest has festered in Coolock, a mere 5 kilometres from where Burns was standing today, the GAA president was issuing a pointed message. For centuries, the political situation in Ireland ensured that we were a wandering people.
We sought refuge in other countries, though we were not always welcome. The emigrant's story is a vital part of the history of the GAA. In Irish bars from Sydney to Yonkers today, emigrants watched today's final and thought of home.
As Burns said, we should not forget the Irish diaspora on a day like today, and we should not forget the lessons of those who came before us when it comes to dealing with the challenges of today.
