Comment: Smiles and back-slapping all round in Kildare

We have heard a lot in recent times of what the GAA is worth to the overall economy of the country, well if Saturday evening is anything to go on, Newbridge is certainly benefiting from the GAA, and in particular night games under lights at Cedral St Conleth's Park, as hostelries were doing a booming business before and after Saturday's game against Laois.

Not sure if too many of the 'visitors' hung around after getting the mauling they received but there was certainly no shortage of fans enjoying 'the moment' and that's for sure.

It is a long time since Kildare chalked up four wins on the trot at this level, the no. 1 aim this season has always been to gain promotion and that is certainly on the cards, not achieved yet of course, but a win on Sunday next when, no doubt, the Lilies will descent on Ennis in big numbers as they try to extend that winning margin to five and if that can be achieved then fans can start to see that hope come very close to becoming a reality.

The Cedral Lounge was a hive of activity, not only on Saturday but for the past few days as Club Kildare members dropped in to collect their new Club Kildare jackets, which look very well it has to be said.

The work of Ollie Ryan, Colm Farrell and chairman TJ Malone is certainly greatly appreciated by one and all.
And what a tremendous crowd turned up on Saturday evening, just short of 7,000, a while since we saw that at a Kildare game — and that led to smiles and back-slapping all around (well, at least among the home supporters).

The promised new score board was in action for the first time in the League and it is certainly a great addition to the stadium.

Among those sporting their new jackets was recently appointed Minister for Agriculture, Martin Hayden. The minister was in good company with former chairman, Mick Gorman, not sure who was 'minding' who but like many more before and after the match, they were in great form.

Board Chairman, Mick Mullen, Secretary Christine Murray; PRO Lorraine Wolfe were all as busy as bees while the bursar, Alan Dunney, had a smile on his face like a cat that had just got the milk; an attendance of 7,000 or so had him as happy as a pig in you know what.

Of course Alan was also keeping a close eye on two of his club men, Ryan Burke and Darragh Swords who both had a big influence on the game.

Manager Brian Flanagan said when appointed that he would search high and low, at every club — regardless of its grade — for players, and when you see lads emerging such as Didier Cordonnier from Two Mile House, the Caragh boys (Burke and Swords) and the impressive Cathal Hagney from Nurney, all making big impressions, it proves that a player does not have to be with one of the top senior clubs to make it at inter-county level.

So far all going to plan.

Three games remaining.

Two away; one at home.

Hopefully followed by promotion and whatever comes our way after that.

As ever, we live in hope.

In the meantime, Keep the faith.

Before Saturday's game we had a minute silence for two great GAA people, both ironically from Naas, both involved in the GAA all their lives.

Terry McDonald, who died in England two weeks ago, led the county town team in 1990 to their first win at senior level in 58 years; a great defender, a great leader and along with younger brother, Johnny, was hugely influential in that famous victory against Clane.

Jerome (Jer) Higgins has been involved with Naas all his life as a player, referee and as chairman back in the 90s; Jer (son of the great Jack Higgins) was an avid follower not just of his club but rarely, if ever, missed an opportunity to support Kildare.
Jer passed away last week after a short illness.

We extend our sympathy to the McDonald and Higgins families on their great losses.

May they both Rest In Peace.