It's been quite an incredible week of Irish sport already, but maybe the most important sporting event of the past seven days took place last night up in Armagh, where Monaghan played Down in the U20 Ulster final.
It's two weeks since Monaghan lost their captain Brendan Óg Duffy after a roadcrash that followed their victory over Donegal. In the strange way of sport and life, these fixtures need to be fulfilled. Somehow, that Monaghan team managed to play a game of football last night despite everything they'd been through. It was a challenging task for Down as well to take on Monaghan given everything they'd endured.
Ógie's number 6 jersey was not worn last night and Monaghan wore black armbands in honour of Ógie. It was a high-scoring, helter skelter game, and in the end, Down just had more in the tank. They won be seven points after extra time.
After the match, Down's Man of the Match Ruairi O'Hare gave an incredible interview where he discussed Monaghan's grief and the grief he had to cope with 18 months ago when his clubmbate and best friend Niall Laverty sadly passed away in September, 2019. Niall played football for Saul and was an outstanding young sportsman. O'Hare dedicated last night's victory to Niall.
#DWNvMON Lán Ama
Comghairdeas le Ruairi O’Hare, is é Laoch na hImeartha inniu 👏 @OfficialDownGAA @EirGrid @GAA_BEO #GAA #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/2d4fpCiNCo— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) July 30, 2021
It's one of the most extraordinary interviews we've seen a sportsman give in a long time. There truly are bigger things, but sport somehow manages to give us meaning and hope in the face of the deepest grief.
My condolensces go to the Monaghan boys. I personally know exactly how they're feeling. A year and a half ago, a person in my club passed away. My best friend, who I was living with. We had to go play a relegation playoff a week and a half after. I know that feeling in their stomach that they're having now unfortunately. It's not nice for them. I was able to go to the line that day. It's not nice for them boys. There's bigger things than football here. I'd just like to dedicate this to my mate Niall Laverty. I love him so much. I miss him every day and I wish he was here now.
O'Hare's interview has been widely-shared over night and he's been celebrated for his own courage.
Before the match, Brendan Duffy's father spoke about how grateful he was for all of the support from the wider GAA community.
Anocht, ghlac Brendan Ó Dufaigh buíochas le gach duine a rinne comhbhrón lena mhuintir tar éis bháis tragóideach a mhic Ógie.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Anam uasal. pic.twitter.com/w9j0M5pgGB— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) July 30, 2021
It was evening that brought out the best in everyone in involved.
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