Monday, June 19, 2006

Savage Tom - AIB, Badgers and Team Spirit

Savage Tom’s rapid progress up the ranks of Junior D football has stalled. It’s a fecking disgrace what they’ve done to him. Poor auld Tom has put the effort in every week – one kick around match at training every week, he’s cut the drink down and gone to visit a sports headshrinker to get him in the right frame of mind for competitive football. He’s played the League matches, he’s even went between the schticks because he’s a might righty boot on him and can lamp a ball half of the way up the field. He’s done everything they say you should do in the AIB club football ads to be a good team players. You know the one – be good, be part of something, be a winner, just be….Be my bollox.

The minute those bastards got the opportunity they brought in a load of Junior B players and Savage Tom ended up warming the mahogany. A load of young fellas with different woejus uneven haircuts and white streaks who wouldn’t bother their arse going training all year arrived at our Championship match…they look like fecking badgers.

Onto the field they strode happy out – oblivious to the ten brooding resentful teammates that found themselves occupying that horrible space in the dugout. Savage Tom is proud to say he instigated a quiet rebellion. Like Spartacus I lead the gladiator substitutes on journey of rebellion against our oppressors – the team selectors.

When we ran out on the field I whispered ‘you should be on’ to the most surly and delusional subs – generally the older guys who never just quite made it in their hey-dey and are still chasing the glory of GAA. As the first fifteen warmed up the subs defiantly kicked points. When those imposters and blow-ins joined us after their warm-up we acted as one – only passing the ball amongst each other.

We felt no sorrow. Whatever about the blow-ins, we had some begrudging respect for them, wishing we could saunter onto teams like them, how could our old team mates turn their backs on us. Hadn’t we shared the disappointments of many defeats together? The infamous more goals than points conceded defeat at longwood (7-4 to 0-3) hadn’t we bled the pitches red at Ballygrattan, Cortown, Summerhill? Hadn’t we inhaled the alcohol-fuelled stench of defeat after the Mickey Murphy’s wedding where all our full-back line collided giving each other concussion? All of these memories. Nothing to them when it came to the chance of a win in the Championship.

Our rebellion caused consternation amongst the selectors. They were rattled - they just weren’t showing it. At half-time we stayed in the dug-out not running out for the customary kick around – that’ll learn you ye poxes.

During the second half we were winning handsomely – but I knew our rebellion was ruffling feathers. I had the boys well prepped. As we stretched the margin I predicted that they might start to throw the odd sub on for a run. A real sneaky Sasanach move, divide and conquer. Under no circumstances were any of our heroic brigade to break ranks to stretch the hamstrings and do that funny run where you kick your heels of the palms of your hands.

We sat resolute as the minutes ticked by. The odd selector would survey the bench and see eyes set in stone resolutely staring out at the match. Never back at them. Never.

Then came a key moment – the selector huddle. Like three teapots with their handles out they stood and mumbled like I’m sure Judas did before making our lord the world’s most famous pin-up. We were standing firm. We were resolute.

All of a sudden came the call…….a couple of legs twitched. Hold. Hold. Steady. Hold the line.

“Tom, warm-up there”

I came on and kicked a few atrocious wides to the chagrin of my team-mates. When I looked over all the legs on the bench were bouncing up and down rapidly and there were storm clouds under the corrugated iron of the dugout. One of my ex-gladiator subs, one of my friend, who I had led to glory, came on later on, ran over and hit me a dig in the ribs.


That’s GAA for you, no team spirit.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am really impressed with your writing skills
as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?

Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it's rare to see a nice blog like this one today.
my page: lanautica

Anonymous said...

I do not even know the way I ended up here, but I thought this put
up used to be great. I do not realize who you are but certainly you're going to a famous blogger if you happen to aren't already.

Cheers!
My site ... friv

Anonymous said...

I'm very happy to discover this site. I want to to thank you for ones time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it and i also have you book-marked to see new things on your web site.
Here is my weblog mortgage help

Anonymous said...

Malaysia & Singapore & brunei finest on-line blogshop for
wholesale & supply korean add-ons, earrings, earstuds,
pendant, rings, hair, bracelet & bracelet accessories.
Offer 35 % wholesale discount. Ship Worldwide
My blog - Bondi tradesman

Anonymous said...

You ought to take part in a contest for one of the best
sites on the internet. I most certainly will highly recommend this web site!
My web page > www.go2ui.com

Anonymous said...

Appreciating the time and effort you put into your blog and in depth information
you offer. It's awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn't the same out
of date rehashed information. Excellent read!
I've bookmarked your site and I'm adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Also visit my homepage : michigan unemployment benefits

Anonymous said...

Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it
or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other
than that, this is great blog. A fantastic read. I will
definitely be back.
Also visit my webpage ; click through the following website

Anonymous said...

Hello, all the time i used to check web site posts here in the early hours
in the morning, because i love to learn more
and more.
Also visit my web blog Trick Photography

Anonymous said...

Hi there, this weekend is fastidious designed
for me, because this point in time i am reading
this impressive educational paragraph here at my home.
Feel free to visit my web site motivational speakers South Africa

Anonymous said...

I take pleasure in, cause I found just what I used
to be having a look for. You have ended my four day long hunt!
God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
Here is my web page :: view this site

Anonymous said...

You could definitely see your expertise in the work you write.
The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not
afraid to say how they believe. At all times follow
your heart.

Here is my web blog grand-jewelry
Also see my page > grand-jewelry

Anonymous said...

Simply desire to say your article is as surprising. The clarity in your post is
just excellent and i could assume you're an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the rewarding work.

my weblog; teen porno videos

Anonymous said...

May I simply just say what a relief to discover someone who actually understands what they are discussing over
the internet. You actually know how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
More people really need to look at this and understand this
side of your story. It's surprising you aren't more popular because you most
certainly possess the gift.

Review my web page :: www.teenpornpost.com

Anonymous said...

Greetings! Very useful advice within this article!
It's the little changes that produce the most significant changes. Many thanks for sharing!

Stop by my webpage :: http://www.babesflick.com/video/1289/topgirl-asian-babe-takes-big-black-cock.html

CHEAPTAP.CO.UK -- Enjoy the water, enjoy your life! said...

Automatic taps also called "hands-free" taps. Some of them needs batteries. Choosing a automatic tap for your bathroom or kitchen can let your house more comfortable. It also can solve water and power. Find Cheap Automatic Taps at Cheaptap.co.uk Online Store, Well designed free hands http://www.cheaptap.co.uk/automatic-taps-c-2.html sale with large discounts and fast shipping.