These are the strangest of times for all of us, and so the most familiar things have become even more important. Much is made of how different sport has become for us spectators in the era of lockdown. But what about the players, whose entire lives revolve around the sporting season? At times like this, sport has never been more important.
Kildare footballer Neil Flynn lost his father Fergal during the week. Fergal was originally from Monaghan and raised a family of three around Maynooth. Losing a family member is never easy but all of the customs and traditions that we have around grief and mourning have been disrupted by covid.
Flynn's father was buried on Saturday morning in Maynooth. Twenty four hours later, Flynn was in the Kildare squad for their Leinster quarterfinal against Offaly at O'Moore Park. Flynn came off the bench around the 55th minute to score three vital points as Kildare held off a dogged Offaly side to earn their place in a Leinster semifinal against Meath. After the match, the Kildare GAA account tweeted this poignant photo of an emotional Flynn sitting on the O'Moore Park pitch.
A special mention to Neil Flynn this evening who came on & kicked three points after burying his father Fergal yesterday. A true testament of his character.
Kildare GAA wish to express our sincere condolences to Neil & his family.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam 🏳️ pic.twitter.com/4Cbf7zBfXN— Kildare GAA (@KildareGAA) November 8, 2020
Flynn's manager Jack O'Connor singled him out for praise after the game.
"I just want to play a tribute to Neil Flynn he buried his father yesterday and came in and kicked a savage score from the sideline and kicked two more points so hats off to him,” said O’Connor.
“That man hasn’t much sleep got and emotionally it was very tough on him but I think that’ll do him a lot of good and it’s a great sign of the man.
“Hopefully that’ll give the family a little bit of a lift after the tough week that they’ve had.”
It was an incredible display of courage from Flynn just to tog out last night. Kildare fans and former Lilywhite players send love to Flynn on social media last night.
Well done to Neil Flynn. He buried his father yesterday and came on tonight to kick 3 great points to effectively win the game for Kildare. Fantastic attitude. #KildareGAA
— Ronan Sweeney (@Roli100) November 8, 2020
Neil Flynn certainly did his father proud with those scores. Fair play to him for showing such commitment to the cause at such a difficult time!
— Morgan O'Callaghan (@MorgantheBriar) November 8, 2020
Well done to Neil Flynn. He buried his father yesterday and came on tonight to kick 3 great points to effectively win the game for Kildare. Fantastic attitude. #KildareGAA
— Ronan Sweeney (@Roli100) November 8, 2020
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