As “the agony of supporting Monaghan” turned to ecstasy in the high drama of Sunday’s relegation battle win over Dublin, MAITIÚ MONAGHAN was there to savour the moment
On Saturday night, I met a Clones ex-pat living in Kildare for 20 years. He claims to have swapped allegiances entirely and is thankful he no longer “has to go through the agony of supporting Monaghan.” His twin brother on the other hand, remains an avid supporter of the Farney Army and is a fellow member of the “Gary Mohan’s Mullet Fan Club”.
The ex-pat brother informed me how, the week before, in St Conleth’s Park, he sported his Kildare jersey. For the simple reason, as he so gently put it, of “ruining my brother’s day.” His philosophy is that, “Gaelic Football is all about misery, and spite. It’s about setting aside friendships and relationships and hating everything about one another as long as the game is being played.” I learned this lesson for myself the following day.
I have an uncle, “Farney Jim” as he is affectionately known, who was born on Hill 16 and hopes to be lowered into the ground to the “Come On, You Boys In Blue” chant. Farney Jim is so named for his apparent love of Monaghan, a passion shared with all his nieces and nephews. For years, Farney Jim has lost money backing Monaghan to beat Tyrone and claimed Clones on Ulster Final…
