Offaly's u20 hurling stars are on top of the world right now as they defied the odds to reach the very mountain peak at that grade, and be crowned All-Ireland champions.
However, it is not a crown, medal or trophy that some of these lads are looking for as they return to the reality that is club hurling - they simply want their helmets back.
There are few creatures more superstitious than sporting people who place great sentimental value on lucky socks, boots, gloves, or in this case, helmets.
Unsurprisingly the celebrations that followed Offaly's incredible success meant that that they everyone and everything was swept up in the excitement, and things were misplaced.
Unfortunately one of those items was the helmet of Ben Miller which was lost in Nowlan Park on Saturday night, prompting his friends and family members to make an appeal for it on social media.
"The hunt now commences for Offaly full-back Ben Miller’s black Gola helmet which was last seen on the pitch in Nowlan Park last Saturday", one person posted on X.
"If anyone has seen it or knows its whereabouts please get in touch. Valuable and badly needed back ASAP! All RT’s greatly appreciated."
The hunt now commences for Offaly full-back Ben Miller’s black Gola helmet which was last seen on the pitch in Nowlan Park last Saturday! If anyone has seen it or knows its whereabouts please get in touch. Valuable and badly needed back ASAP! All RT’s greatly appreciated pic.twitter.com/4r0JzezEJm
— Johnno Kinahan (@JohnnoKinahan14) June 7, 2024
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Miller wasn't the only one who left the stadium that day without his kitbag full, as Caelum Larkin the reliable defender for Offaly, also lost his, but fortunately a social media post from his mother helped it find its way home.
“Somehow last Saturday in all the excitement a supporter of the Offaly U20 team mistakenly brought Caelum’s helmet with them. In all the excitement, it was placed down by the dugout and was taken,” she posted to Facebook.
“Green Cooper helmet… surely there’s a mammy on this that has seen a green Cooper helmet that’s battered and worn floating around the house that’s not one of the teenager's in the house.
“Not only are helmets expensive, but this one has got him through the minor All-Ireland final, Offaly captain and this year’s U20 team.
"Please if someone has it or knows where is it, just get in contact. He’s a match Friday night”.
Hopefully with all of the sentimental value, and indeed, the practical benefits that these helmets have, Miller's will also be returned to its rightful owner, and we will see the young Offaly stars in action once again, with their tried and trusted gear fully intact.
