Three year ago, SuperValu asked me to be an ambassador for their GAA campaign.
It was a huge honour, as the GAA is a big part of my life. Without the GAA, my social skills wouldn’t have developed to where they are today. I have progressed from a young person with autism with an interest in sport. I'm now involved with my club Solohead GAA as well as Tipperary GAA, and from time to time give my views on Tipp FM.
Still to this day, I have to pinch myself that SuperValu believed in me and gave me this wonderful opportunity. If I had told my younger self about everything that I would have done and achieved, I wouldn't have believed it. I still experience challenges and obstacles with being autistic and dyslexic, however it's important to look at the positives.
I even got to attend Sunday's All-Ireland final. The task for me on the day was to capture the atmosphere in the stadium with videos and pictures for the SuperValu and Balls.ie Instagram accounts.
What a day and what an experience it was!
All-Ireland final day
Sunday, July 30th and it is All-Ireland Football Final day. We got to Croke Park good and early on Sunday so had a great opportunity to take some videos of the gathering crowd, look out for a few celebrities and just soak up the atmosphere, The weather wasn't the best but everyone was in good form. I was honoured to be invited to the SuperValu pre-match gathering at Croke Park and with me were my Dad and cousin Enda.
Yes I got to see a few familiar faces again including Maggie Farrelly, who's a Cavan intercounty Referee as well as a SuperValu Ambassador. Another very special guest was the Sam Maguire Cup!
Kevin with his dad and cousin Enda
The clock was ticking closer to the match time. You could feel the excitement and energy building big time among the crowds in the Stands and the Hill for the game. Being a neutral from Tipperary I could relax just a bit and enjoy the stadium buzz and overall atmosphere.
When we got to our seats we were front row so I got a direct view of the pre-match drills and warm-up routines beforehand by the Kerry and Dublin teams. Next it was onto all the pre-match traditions with the team's line-up and the parade. The GAA President greeting the players before the game. Then 3:30pm finally arrived and my fellow SuperValu ambassador David Gough was at hand to throw in the ball to commence the game.
30 July 2023; Joseph Field from Listellick National School in Tralee, Kerry, presents the match ball to referee David Gough before the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship final match between Dublin and Kerry at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
It was a low-scoring opening half. Scoring chances were limited and both sides were a bit cautious however I was finding it an intriguing and enjoyable game. Too close to call at half-time. I had a feeling that this game was really going to go down to the wire.
Couldn't wait for the second half to begin before I knew it the second half was underway.
Eventually, Dublin came on top and were eventual winners by two points. Over the last few minutes, Kerry had a few missed chances whilst Dublin just got on top with their substitutions making an impact helping them over the line to get the win!!
Overall it was brilliant to be involved with SuperValu and to be an ambassador is a dream come true for me. At times, people in life can put you down saying you can't do this and you won't be able to do much just because you are autistic. Being involved with Tipperary football and my own club Solohead, lots of people now see me like everyone else. I can honestly say if it wasn't for my county and club, I'd find it very hard to make friends and link in with society. The GAA has given me a sense of purpose and self-belief as well as some very very good friends.
I discussed it in the video below.
Highlights of being a SuperValu ambassador
One of my highlights with SuperValu was at Ballina Stephenites GAA club with Padraig O’Hora for the GAA inclusion day for all abilities. It was a fantastic day to see all the kids getting involved whatever way they wanted no pressure and by the afternoon, even the kids that were unsure and apprehensive were all getting involved by Saturday as part of the team.
I really feel the power of a community when everyone is included is really powerful and anything can be achieved.
A few days have passed since the highs of being at an all-Ireland football final with 82,000 people. Now I am back with my club Solohead. Helping with training brings you back down to earth and the Solohead lads are very supportive of everything I do. I enjoy being with my local club as the lads make sure I keep my feet on the ground and stay grounded.
Tipperary Footballer Colm O’Shaughnessy, Kevin Hanly & Thomas O Mahony at Solohead GAA this year!!
As the intercounty football season comes to an end, I hope that SuperValu’s #CommunityIncludesEveryone campaign has inspired people to get involved with their club! My hope is everyone is involved and included, as the GAA at the end of the day is all about the community, where it starts and where it ends. Finally for me the GAA is our history, culture and Irish DNA. Certainly, you can never take Solohead or Tipperary out of me. It’s who I am and where I belong.
One of the best decisions I've made in my life as to be involved with this campaign and to show anything is possible!!!
