Quotes of the year: GAA

From Adrian Russell:

“You say to me that there is more to life than hurling. Well if you want to carry on like a fella who is not an inter-county hurler well then there will be more to life than hurling. Lots more. But there won’t be hurling. That’s the reality of it.” — Manager Brian Cody on the monk-like existence Kilkenny hurlers endure for their All-Irelands.

“Cop that. It’s different this time, boys.” — Kerry footballer Tadhg Kennelly, in his book ghost-written by an Australian journalist, on the high challenge on Cork’s Nicholas Murphy in the first moments of this year’s All-Ireland SFC final in Croke Park.

“On my solemn word, I did not and would never intentionally go out to hurt another footballer.” — Kennelly backtracks after a storm of public disapproval swirled around him after the book’s publication.

“I am in a very difficult decision at the moment because it’s a lifestyle decision too. It’s 50-50 and that’s the God’s honest truth.” — Kennelly agonises over his future plans. Just before he decides to return to Sydney.

“They treat us like kids. Next year it’ll be ‘Get your Mammy to put on your helmet for you before you go out and play’, or something stupid like you can’t wear studded boots.” — Waterford hurler Eoin Kelly rails against the introduction of protective headgear by Big Brother.

“Banning girls would be absolute disaster says Dan” — headline in The Leitrim Observer. Ostensibly a stark warning to those charged with legislating the Leitrim U-12 football championship but surely Dan’s message cannot be lost on any of us in these troubled times.

“We’re written off the whole time, we’re as bad as Jedward. Only I haven’t the hair.” — Johnny McBride explains that Loup had the X Factor this year.

“Every hurler gets criticism. You just have to deal with it and get on with your game. There’s no point in being praised the whole time. That’s not the way hurling is. You’re going to get criticised through different parts of your career. I got it this year but that’s just the way it goes.” — Kilkenny star Tommy Walsh hits back at the hurlers on the ditch.

“Was it a penalty, Brian, do you think?” — Marty Morrissey asked a reasonable question of Brian Cody after the Cats fourth title in a row.

“Diarmuid Kirwan certainly gave a penalty. If you start wondering about all the frees in the course of the game, you’ll have a fairly busy time. Did you think it was a penalty yourself, Marty?” — Cody gets hot under the baseball cap, as he hits his stride in an unprovoked assault on poor Marty.

“Will somebody please pick up Marty off the floor there!” — Ger Loughnane enjoys the blood-letting of sideline reporters a little too much.

“We have the usual trials and tribulations. We lose our jobs. Our marriages bust up. Our friendships break. Alcohol ruins some of us. Depression follows others like a black dog. We fight. We love. We scar. We heal. We die.” — Donal Óg Cusack in his acclaimed book, Come What May, on life at the top of the GAA world. His revelation that he is gay brought plenty of attention to the Cloyne clubman.

“I have been very surprised at the amount of reaction and I have been very surprised at the amount of
interest in the story.” — Cusack appreciating the support his frank account garnered.

“They’re All Stars, not porn stars.” – Senator David Norris insists the focus should be on Cusack’s sporting talents.

“I met Tommy McGuigan in the hotel corridor and he told me that he was sorry to hear that I wasn’t well, that he was starting for me … that’s how it was broken to me.” — Tyrone captain Sean Cavanagh rejects claims he let the pressure get to him ahead of the All-Ireland SFC semi-final with Cork.

“Based on this year’s experiences I do not have sufficient confidence in the current management structure and I cannot dedicate myself to something I do not fully believe in.” — As another player dispute turns ugly, this time in Clare, Tony Griffin bows out of inter-county action.

“Both meetings had a common objective by the players, which was the removal of Mike McNamara as the Clare hurling team manager, irrespective of the views of either the club delegates or the county board.” — Mike McNamara isn’t afraid to refer to himself in the third person as he ultimately falls on his sword.

“There will always be people who put you on the wrong track, always guys that will try to break the system and try things on.” — As Limerick get in on the act, Justin McCarthy ruthlessly cuts 12 players from the senior panel.

“I’m seething and shocked at the insinuation in there that those guys lacked commitment.” — Ollie Moran, whose brother Niall was amongst the dozen ousted by McCarthy is shocked at their treatment.

“There is a lot of satisfaction in this. We were being written off — fellas like Spillane were almost feeling pity for us. But that is where you get the energy from; you get it from enjoying each other’s company and trying to build it up.” — Jack O’Connor revels in rebuilding his Kerry side to claim another All-Ireland title.