Highs and lows won't be forgotten
2010 WILL LIVE LONG IN MEMORY
Louth fans on their way to the big match against Dublin: Gegy, Dean and Luke Campbell with Mahon and Matt Ronan
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THERE was a surreal atmosphere on the 7.30pm train out of Connolly last Saturday. It was packed with Louth fans, standing room only. In one corner a young man from Clogherhead was playing cards with a woman and a small boy from Dundalk. As the game wore on, you realised they'd never met before, until a train bound for north Louth. It was typical of what Louth's epic odyssey has brought to the community feeling within the county.
As one, they won, as one, they lost. No matter the age, creed or home, the GAA has the ability to unify a spirit and how the Wee County united over the course of one summer.
The end of the Meath match was dominated by frustration. 6.30pm or so on Saturday, the mood was one of acceptance. That can be hard to take too, but at least you can take it.
The Dubs were just too good. Their physical dominance was apparent, they cleaned up in key areas and brought guys like Magee, Keaney, Fennell and Mossy Quinn off the bench, all with the experience of past glories.
Louth gave their best, but this one was that old bridge too far.
Again the fans came from all corners of the county, the Gaels girls mingling with the Fechin's, the Glen Emmets joining the Brides.
In the stands, the Dunleer gang were out in force too, Caffreys and Martins, McGeoughs and Shiels. Then another star of the past appeared, the legend himself Davy McDonnell.
Up to 10,000 were clad in red and white, they cheered to the end, knowing there would be no fairytale, but as the masses departed, the players stayed on the park to soak in the atmosphere of something very special for the last time.
Up in the Davin and down by the front of the Hogan, a group of fans raised their banner in unison - 'Louth Supporters, welcome back 2010 Leinster Champions'.
Looking at the team list as the train buzzed through the Fingal countryside the obvious thing was the potential that now exists within the county. The vast majority of the side and the squad have years ahead of them, years to learn and develop, boy, Paraic Smith, Declan Byrne, Derek Maguire, Colm Judge, James Califf, Adrian Reid, Andy McDonnell and others will have their day, hopefully.
It was a mighty expensive odyssey as well for supporters of the Wee County, a hundred euro here and there vanishing quickly (any chance of a NAMA bail out for Louth fans I wonder?). After the Meath debacle, the GAA needs to do something for Louth football and its fans. We wait to see what that will be. But it must happen.
As the Droghedabased Louth fans departed the train at MacBride station, their Dundalk colleagues in battle from a long summer wished them well, 'see you next season,' one gent remarked as the crowds rushed past him. Just as the doors closed, he roared out 'come on the Dubs!' It was greeted by a fleeting smile as the sea of red and white rolled out into the wide expanse of the car park.
There's an old saying 'God gave us memories so that we might have roses in December'. 2010. Memories indeed.
- Hubert MURPHY
