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You are > Home > Masters throw ‘one hell of a party’
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Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Masters throw ‘one hell of a party’
By Michael Gallagher
THE early morning sun was glinting off Clew Bay as some of the stragglers moved from the warmth and camaraderie of Knockranny House into the cool reality of a spring Sunday morning high over Westport.
The late/early revellers had been immersed in a Mayo glory night since Saturday evening so the thoughts of a few hours in bed before experiencing a dogfight with Monaghan in McHale Park was like a child waiting for Christmas – heaven.
The fact that a fair number of bleary eyes were on view in Castlebar last Sunday afternoon says a lot about the fun and excitement had by all a few hours previously in Westport.
The celebration to mark Mayo’s winning of the AllIreland Masters title was, as Ger Butler described it, “one hell of a party.” More than 300 people got suited and booted on Saturday evening and laughed, danced and gloried in the joy that national success brings with it.
Since the competition came into being, Mayo have won seven All-Ireland crowns while the next best have only managed to put two titles on the sideboard. The Green and Red are a powerful force at Masters level and those trying to find the secret of their success should have been present on Saturday night to hear tales of their most recent glory.
The words used to describe a famous campaign slipped off the tongue beautifully – ‘great football, dogfights, exhibition, commitment, pride and desire’ were all mentioned as a memorable season was recalled.
The Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council, Cllr Myles Staunton, welcomed the victorious team to the town and said they were role models for the whole of society. James Waldron was on hand to congratulate the team on behalf of the Mayo County Board and promised that the board would continue to support them at every opportunity.
The man who initiated Masters football, Dr Mick Loftus, was on hand to add his voice to the stream of congratulations and he spoke about the joy and pride the players get from representing their county and the joy and pride they in turn, provide for everyone in Mayo.
He lauded the players for their commitment and the wonderful football they played, he praised team manager, Kenneth Mortimer for his outstanding work with the team and his astute tactical awareness during some very tight matches. The former President of the GAA went on to say that the acceptance speech made by Mayo’s captain, John Pat Sheridan, following the AllIreland final victory over Tyrone was a glorious one and made the hairs stand on the back of his neck.
Dr Loftus also thanked the media for their excellent coverage of the championship and explained that this was a very important factor in the promotion of the competition which, amazingly, is still struggling for official recognition from Croke Park.
The presentation of medals was a very special moment for the men lucky enough to be accepting the prized pieces of metal and with the youthful Colm Horkan from Charlestown on stage to assist in the ceremony it went off without a hitch.
Interestingly the presentation was held up for a few minutes at the midway point when MC for the evening, Liam Horan, forced/persuaded Tom ‘Scottie’ Morrin from The Neale to sing. The ace attacker belted out a famous Meatloaf ditty and even managed to change the lyrics to suit the occasion finishing on a high by singing ‘three outta four ain’t bad’ to mark the fact that Mayo have captured All-Ireland titles three times in four seasons.
John Pat Sheridan then spoke passionately about the need for the wonderful competition to be recognised officially by Croke Park and said he and his colleagues felt abandoned by the national organisation. He told the audience of the pride felt by the men who wear the Green and Red and gave them an insight into the passionate, clinical direction Kenneth Mortimer gave the team at pivotal moments throughout the year.
The rest of the evening was filled with fun and friendship as the huge crowd danced and sang their way towards Sunday morning. In the midst of it all the clocks went forward an hour, but nobody cared. Time wasn’t important. Mayo pride was the over-riding emotion as family, friends and proud club colleagues celebrated with the champions.
Some of the moves performed on the floor in the wee small hours showed that the team are in wonderful physical shape and may be available to perform breakdancing demonstrations if needed. Michael Chambers then stepped forward to sing and the Islandeady man belted out ‘The Gambler’ to an appreciative audience.
Urgings from the crowd for Charlie Lambert to also join the singing ranks were resisted by the Westport man but he did perform amazing feats of elasticity on the dance floor as the evening progressed.
Kieran Carey was overjoyed to meet a former army colleague, John Durcan, while Ger Butler and his wife, Collette (a former All-Ireland winning captain with Mayo) were like Torville and Dean on the dance floor.
Pat Fallon showed his agility isn’t restricted to the football pitch while Martin ‘Ginger’ McLoughlin also boogied the night away. Eddie Ball’s skills on the floor illustrated that his years of performing at the top of the international tap-dancing scene weren’t wasted as his feet created a rhythmic symphony.
The excitement, fun and friendship experienced by all in Knockranny for the wonderful event created great memories and we’ll be looking for a repeat performance next year.
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