It was at half-time of last year's Tipperary Junior B Hurling Championship semi-final that Kevin Hanly really felt a sense of belonging. His club, Solohead, found themselves trailing Portroe at the break during the game in Newport.
"We were down by four or five points at half-time," Hanly, a Tipperary GAA supporter, broadcaster and autism advocate said during two of episode two of the new SuperValu Dressing Room discussion series.
"We were all in the dressing room. One of the coaches, he said one of the quotes that I'd put in my blog for autism. He mentioned a few things and I felt that belonging, that the players are actually taking what I said in."
Pictured is four-time Kerry All-Star David Clifford, Mayo footballer and autism advocate Padraig O’Hora, leading GAA referee Maggie Farrelly, Tipperary GAA superfan and broadcaster, Kevin Hanly, Clare footballer Ikem Ugwueru, LGBTI+ community advocate and referee David Gough, and Hannah Looney and Erika O’Shea of the Cork Ladies Football. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Solohead turned the game around in the second half, winning 2-22 to 2-14.
"Then we ended up going on to win that game," Hanly continued.
"The players said to me afterwards that 'Seeing how you had challenges and found things hard, it was a match and we wanted to do it for you'. I contributed in a way, I suppose."
The win set up a final against Thurles Sarsfields but Solohead fell at the final hurdle by five points.
Being involved with Solohead has given Hanly confidence and a sense of acceptance.
"Being autistic, it was tough growing up," he said.
"I probably didn't have friends and I wasn't really linking in with my own club. I was a teenager, low in confidence.
"I moved around the country when I was young. I was in Monaghan, I was in Navan, and my family located then in [Tipperary].
"My father brought me to a few [Tipperary] games. You get a bug for something. I went to a few, and then I went another, and then big championship games with a crowd.
"Some people who are autistic would not be good with big noises, loads of people. You'd like to have the day structured. There are barriers, challenges.
"I found a passion and once you have that, you don't feel those barriers around you. Everyone deserves the same chance, to be part of a community, whatever ability or disability you have.
"There's a place for everyone. The social aspect, the friends and being part of it, it all helps an individual."
Sponsors of the GAA All-Ireland Football Championship for a 14th consecutive season, SuperValu have this season launched the Dressing Room discussion series (filmed earlier this year) featuring Padraig O'Hora, David Clifford, Maggie Farrelly, David Gough and a whole host of big GAA names. Find the episodes here.
See Also: GAA Clubs Need To Redefine What Success Means To Them
