With the All-Ireland football final coming up this Sunday, it’s the best time of year to be a GAA fan.
Sport tends to dominate the headlines as fixtures take place over the summer – but how do you cope when you couldn’t care less?
Columnist with the Irish Examiner Jennifer Horgan said that despite her family’s best efforts, she has no interest in the topic.
“I just wasn’t born with the gene, I’m just completely not there,” she told Moncrieff.
“And I come from a family of crazy sports enthusiasts, so I had every opportunity as a child – I was taken to GAA matches, I was taken to Old Trafford, I was brought on rugby trips.
“You want to be a part of it, and life is easier and more enjoyable when you’re part of the gang.
“But on reflection, I think I’m generally happier on my own a lot of the time; I wonder if that’s part of it, like I’m not that comfortable in crowds.”
GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final, Croke Park, Dublin 23/7/2023. Image: ©INPHO/Laszlo GeczoHowever, Ms Horgan said “there’s something lovely about being on the outside too”.
“I live near lots of sporting grounds and seeing grandparents and their grandkids or families heading off with their sandwiches, it’s the loveliest thing,” she said.
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Still, it’s not easy to be an outsider to everyone else's favourite past time.
“I’m the butt of all the jokes,” Ms Horgan said.
“I’m asked very politely not to go to my family’s original home when matches are on because I’m basically not welcome.
“They’re worried I’m going to start talking about my feelings; I never get the language right, I always say the wrong thing.”
Ms Horgan said “it’s much easier being Irish if you’re interested in sport”.
Main image:Matchday in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland. Kerry Gaelic football fans supporters on Main Street before the Mayo and Kerry game in July 2019.
