Albanians invade Clones, the importance of the throw-in and Lee ‘Mayo’ Westwood all feature in today’s Hospital Pass.
Albanians up for Down
Once upon a time the only county who could claim a multi-national following was Cork. Well, they always had American and Japanese flags at the games, even if the fella holding them looked like he never left Mayfield in his life.
Anyway, at least one of the teams in this weekend’s Ulster final has a small bunch of overseas admirers. According to reports today, a group of Albanians, who run a car wash business in Belfast, discovered that the Mourne Men tog out in the same colours as their own country and adopted them.
And they are heading to Clones on Sunday to cheer on James McCartan’s men in person for the first time. Edon “Eddie” Hyka, the owner of the car wash told Hogan Stand how they decided to go see a game after following the lads on TV up to now.
“This guy came in with a Down sticker on his car and he was very surprised when I started to discuss the Monaghan match with him. He liked our interest in the team and offered to get us tickets for the final. We are very happy to be going to the big game and hope Down win.”
Clones on Ulster final day is a great experience so we are sure the four lads will enjoy themselves. We now await tales of Ivorians following Offaly, Moroccans cheering for Mayo and Qataris in full voice for the Westmeath cause.
Ah lads, come on
There is no company more associated with the GAA than O’Neills. Their gear was probably the first you ever wore on a sporting field as a child and all through most of our GAA lives most of us would have worn at least one piece of their kit. And despite the entry of other manufacturers to the market, they still produce more inter-county jerseys than anyone else.
It is understandable then that the company would try and cash in on the meeting of Dublin and Meath by having a promotion on their site in a bid to flog a few more replica shirts.
What doesn’t make any sense is the fact that they say the game ‘kicks-off’ at 4pm. Ah lads, it’s the little things that drive you mad. It’s a little small above so click here for the full screen view.
Lee Westwood and Mayo, brothers in misery
On the way in to JOE Towers today we heard that Lee Westwood was having his 58th go at winning a Major. It reminded us of Mayo, who this year are embarking on their 60th attempt to win Sam again since their 1951 success.
Would anyone give us odds on who will reach the Holy Grail first? Considering Westwood shot a +3 73 this morning at Royal Lytham and St Annes, we’re going with James Horan’s side. Just.
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