The Irish Super Bowl that’s how my brother described the All Ireland Football final between Dublin and Mayo. I’ve got to say that’s certainly how it felt. For the first time since 1995 I joined my dad in Croke Park on Hill 16. It was the only place to be and it’s something that every Dublin supporter should experience the sheer pride and support emanating from everyone is indescribable.
Now I’ve been to my fair share of concerts over the year but noting could have prepared me for this.
There’s a saying amongst Dublin supporters that goes “Hill 16 is Dublin only!”. This wasn’t the case on the day due to the ticketing split, which resulted in a considerable number of Mayo supporters on the Hill and I felt for them I really did but seriously going to Hill 16 on All Ireland Sunday when Dublin was in the final that was a serious mistake. I happened to be surrounded by Dublin supporters but there was a Mayo group not to far in front and the stick they got one supporter pointed to the step they were on and said “that’s been my spot for the last twenty years…… MOVE!” Which led to a massive cheer of “Hill 16 is Dublin only!” The fair weather supporters got upset about this but when you come to the stadium that is the home of GAA in the county that houses GAA and go to the centre of the die hard Dublin supporters what did they expect?!?!? I think this has some how turned into a case for Hill 16 being Dublin only but to a certain extent I’m biased being from Dublin but in all fairness…..
Anyway my brother summed it up really, thousands of Irish fans from all over the world tuned in to watch this match and do every year, I’m not sure even the Super Bowel can claim that while it’s popular I doubt many of the spectators live up to the Irish fans at the All Ireland final!
But in the end Dublin won and are All Ireland champions, they did us proud despite having to beat the referee who was clearly against them, come on you boys in blue!!!!!
Shells Life! 