TODAY IS, OF course, a very different St Patrick’s Day.
We all know the main reason why, but it’s worth noting that it’s the first 17 March without the All-Ireland club finals. No Croke Park, no TG4 coverage; it’s strange.
With the two showpieces moved to January this season, the traditional St Patrick’s Day slot went to U20 All-Ireland semi-finals before coronavirus hit.
On a day of more postponements and bad news, we here at The42 are hoping to hear some of your favourite All-Ireland club final memories from St Patrick’s Days past.
Last March, Corofin lifted the Andy Merrigan Cup — like they did again in January — while Ballyhale Shamrocks reigned supreme in the hurling (they did so again this year).
But after a trip down memory lane, what big moments stand out in your memory?
Is it the dominance of certain club dynasties at HQ? The 2001 double-header where Athenry pipped Graigue-Ballycallan after extra-time, and Crossmolina Deel Rangers beat Nemo Rangers by the minimum? (That one was in April because of foot and mouth disease.) What about the scintillating Cuala-Na Piarsaigh replay in 2018?
Is it the players, the giants of the game that carried their club to coveted All-Ireland glory? Is it a moment of magic during the match, a piece of incredible skill, or the celebrations afterwards as the steps of the Hogan Stand were climbed?
Was it your club, a neighbouring one, or one from the complete other end of the country?
Whatever your favourite memory is, we’re looking forward to hearing it — and reliving it.
What are your favourite All-Ireland club final memories? Let us know in the comments section below, as we try to spread some joy on an extremely weird St Patrick’s Day.
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