GAA players around the country are idolised by young fans no matter the level or county they play for. The next generation of hurlers and footballers often pack the stands for Championship matches just to watch their heroes represent their counties on the biggest stage.
One thing which seperates our national game to others, is that sense of community and that everyone around the county buys in to what the team are trying to do, no matter what age you are or how high of a level your county play at.
Over the years, we've seen some great moments between players from different sports and young fans, but one moment which enraged sports fans around the world came from a video shared by Arsenal last week.
The video shows a young mascot patiently waiting for her heroes to sign her shirt as players are making their way to the dressing room before the Gunners' clash against West Ham.
Sadly for the mascot, the players barely gave her the time of day as they sign the jersey and walk off, with most not even making eye contact let alone speak to her
Making memories with our mascot ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LjGWmzd2Vl
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 16, 2023
READ ALSO: Snub Of Mascot By Arsenal Players Sparks Frenzied Online Debate
The video sent Twitter into overdrive with people ridiculing the Arsenal squad for their cold response to meeting the mascot.
John Mullane on the difference between GAA and Soccer players
After Tipperary's 5-22 to 3-23 win over Clare last weekend, fans flooded the pitch in the hopes of meeting some of their favourite players.
Speaking on the Irish Independent's 'The Throw-In' podcast, former Waterford hurler John Mullane singled out Noel McGrath for his interraction with a fan after the game.
John Mullane said:
I was up at the Clare and Tipperary game and look at all the bad press the Arsenal team got, you know with that young kid as a mascot. No one engaging or even talking to the poor girl. There was one fabulous moment yesterday in the aftermath of the match.
A young Tipperary kid who came into the pitch in the aftermath of the match and was getting pictures with the McGraths and Noel McGrath took off his jersey. I don't think it was number 10 or number 11 that he'd normally have, I think it was number 23 or 24, but to see that young kid's eyes just lighten up. I just said to myself,' you know what, that's the difference between a GAA player and a top, top class soccer player' and I just thought it was just, that was the highlight for me of the weekend just to see that.
Ray McManus of Sportsfile captured this great moment between Noel McGrath and his six-year old cousin, Orin, after full-time.
23 April 2023; Noel McGrath of Tipperary with a cousin, Orin White, six years, who he presented his jersey to after the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 1 match between Clare and Tipperary at Cusack Park in Ennis, Clare. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
You can listen to the full podcast here.
The Waterford hurling legend has certainly hit the nail on the end with his comments on Noel McGrath and GAA players in general, with the difference between them and seasoned Premier League professionals proving night and day.
SEE ALSO: "I Feel There Was Intent There": Jackie Tyrell On Seamus Flanagan Incident
