There were tears of joy in Pat Cashin's house on Sunday, as the 89-year-old Tipperaryman cheered on his grandson, Sam Bennett, as he raced across the finish line in Paris, winning the final stage of the 2020 Tour de France, and securing this year's green jersey in the process.
By the time they entered the final moments of the race, all Bennett had to do was finish to be guaranteed that coveted jersey, but he wanted more. Tipp FM were at his grandfather Pat's house to soak in those final moments.
“Come on Sam!” @Sammmy_Be’s grandad, Pat Cashin, cheers his grandson on to victory on the final stage of the Tour de France!
Had it not been for Covid, 89yo Pat would have there in person.
Full interview on #TippToday in the morning. pic.twitter.com/XqEKgKFmOm— Tipp FM (@TippFM) September 20, 2020
Lovely scenes. After the finish, an emotional Pat described his delight: "That was wonderful. Marvellous. That was a racing worth winning. Top of the range. Fantastic."
"To see him on the podium now will be something."
The scenes in Pat's house were perfectly captured by Tipp FM's MaryAnn Vaughan. As he's chatting to her, the phone rings; someone phoning to share in the joy. Next thing the doorbell rings; s neighbour calling over in celebration.
"I've watched every race since he was a baby, you might as well say," says Pat. "The first bike that he ever had - my wife, Alice, and myself - we actually bought it for him for Christmas. I was his first Christmas in Ireland. He was actually born in Belgium."
While Covid may have put paid to Pat's hopes of being in France, he cannot wait to celebrate with his grandson: "I'm thrilled to bits. I can't wait until I see him." You can listen to Tipp FM's great piece below.
See Also: Sam Bennett In Disbelief After Winning Green Jersey At Tour De France
