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The Trip to Tipp - Sat, 22 May 2004

Jason Ward , captain after receiving the cup.

As the cobwebs clear and local GAA fans emerge slowly from the enforced hibernation of Christmas , all thoughts turn to the All-Ireland Semi-Final that local club St.Brigid's will face next month. 

Though the venue is not yet finalised it seems almost certain that it will be in Thurles and the epic Dublin/Kerry clashes of two years ago seem set to be re-lived as St.Brigid's take on the might of Kerry , represented by An Gaeltacht .

This will be an epic journey much longer and tougher than the earlier jaunts to Parnell Park , Dundalk and Navan.Huge support for the Gaeltacht is becoming obvious already from the chatter on the many GAA websites and the rumours we are picking up of un-precedented solidarity between the often fractious Kerry Clubs. 

The Brigid's team with its roots firmly in Dublin 15 will represent Dublin and Leinster at this penultimate stage of the competition. The prize is immense -a final date on St. Patrick's day in Croke Park in front of 40,000 people. 

So far the management team of Paddy Clarke and Gerry McEntee have done little wrong. The teams have been well prepared and the on field tactics have delivered that extra edge needed to achieve victory. Outstanding performances from key team members have earned this team the respect of many. Eight Bluestar awards and Dublin Player of the Year Mick Galvin are just some of the many accolades this team has achieved.

The clubhouse on the Navan Road will be a hive of activity as all members from 5 years upwards get behind their team in every way they can. There will be colouring competitions to design posters, giant flag making, dressing up and music sessions all designed to give the team the most colourful and loudest support on the day. So far there have been various groups of Santas, red and white cars full of altar boys , cow girls and a brass band seen at the St.Brigid's matches but this next game calls for something really special both on and off the field. 

None of this year's semi-finalists have been there before and whoever prevails will bring a completely different atmosphere to the final in Croke Park in March. Let us all hope the St.Brigid's are there and that the support they get in Thurles exceeds even their wildest expectations. 

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