Martin Comerford scored two points to help O'Loughlin Gaels win the Kilkenny senior hurling title at the weekend, and his reaction to the victory summed up how special the club is in the GAA.
Martin Comerford has done it all in hurling. He was part of a legendary Kilkenny side that won four All-Ireland titles in a row and Cats fans will no doubt remember his crucial goal in the last ten minutes of the 2009 final against Tipperary, with one point between the sides and the game completely in the balance. With three Allstar awards Comerford was one of the players of the noughties at inter-county level.
But the beauty of the GAA is that, whether you are Martin Comerford with six Celtic Crosses or the hardy but limited club corner-back, you start and finish with your club. Your club is where your love for the game develops and it is where you will probably watch your last match. And whether it's the people making the tea and sandwiches after a match or the old fella who's been doing umpire for the reserve matches for about fifty years, each member of your club is valued, precious and essential.
And that's why O'Loughlin Gaels' shock Kilkenny senior championship victory over Ballyhale Shamrocks meant so much to Martin Comerford.
Is there a more perfect encapsulation of what the club means in the GAA than the photograph of Comerford below? We often talk about giving "blood, sweat and tears" - but this photo of Comerford truly epitomises what it is to give yourself for the cause. The blood on his shirt. The tears in his eyes. The sweat drenching his hair.
Comerford is nearly 38 so perhaps his emotion reflected the fact that he knows he might not have many more years left playing at this level - certainly not the way he did at the weekend.
He was the subject of widespread praise from onlookers for his heroic performance.
Martin comerford once again exceptional , legend doesn't begin to describe him #warrior
— John Walsh (@The_Wine_King) October 30, 2016
Martin Comerford at 38 years young an absolute handful in the Kilkenny county final today! Pure clas..
— Paul Morris (@stick1990) October 30, 2016
O'Loughlin Gaels win 0-19 to 1-12. Danny Loughnane, Mark Bergin and Martin Comerford immense. Great coverage via @kclr96fm! @KilkennyCLG
— Peter McNamara (@PeterMcNamara_) October 30, 2016
What a warrior.
(Picture credit: Sportsfile)
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