At Kilronan’s Tigh Joe Mac’s pub, an integral site for Gaelic Athletics Association (GAA) activities on Aran, it seemed as though every local who wasn’t at Croke Park last Sunday to watch Seán Mulkerrin – the first person from the Aran Islands to participate in an All-Ireland football final – had congregated. The tavern, found along the pier, was packed to capacity well before the kick-off scheduled at half past three.
With Stevie Kilmartin, the publican, part of the supporting crowd in Dublin, the establishment’s management and customer service was left in the capable hands of manager Barbara Ní hIannain.
As Ní hIannain expressed prior to the game, all eyes were on the coveted Sam Maguire Cup, with hopes of it heading west. She also proudly mentioned her nephew, Cian Hernon, whose father originates from the islands, being part of the squad, shedding light on the positive impact and energy it brings to the locale’s youth.
Former Aran Island football player Orna Ní hIannain can empathise with the hard work Mulkerrin has put in, having herself had to commute for hours every week between the mainland and island in pursuit of her athletic dreams.
She expresses awe at the accomplishment of someone from the relatively tiny islands being part of the team, attributing it to Mulkerrin’s dedication. Ní hIannain further added that in this first-of-its-kind year for the island, a female under-12 team among the three islands has been formed, an opportunity that she and her female peers did not have previously as they had to play with mainland teams.
The under-12 girls team will journey to Dublin to participate in the exhibition match during the Ladies All-Ireland final next weekend. The game will see Galway and Kerry battling it out. Seán, in his younger days, attended tech at Inis Mór secondary school and participated in minor football. Participating required immense dedication as it entailed commuting by boat for after-school training and returning for school the next day.
The island previously supported a boys underage team but due to the dwindling population, it has seized to exist. Arranging training sessions also warrant great dedication from the parents as all three islands, including Inis Oírr, have to convene. In the case of a match, the children could be away for the entire day.
Inis Mór has long been a destination attracting people globally. Quentin Lidou, who settled on the island five years ago, first visited on St Patrick’s Day and ultimately landed a job in a pub where he was having a pint. He speaks highly of the island — its Irish culture, the warm locals, and his Galway native partner. Living in Australia before has introduced him to GAA and while the rules are similar to ‘footie’, he’s yet to play it, choosing instead to lend his support. The entire island shares his enthusiasm for the sport.
After a strenuous game, Galway narrowly missed victory. Despite the mood being low at Tigh Joe Mac’s, every attendee was aware of the achievements made by Mulkerrin in Croke Park. The islanders proudly regard Seán and acknowledge the fame he has brought the island. Daniel Dirrane, a former Aran Island footballer now based in Australia, views Mulkerrin’s impact as something the Aran’s future generation will feel.
It just proves that you don’t need to hail from a renowned club to excel in playing for Galway,” he commented.
“Yes, we may be licking our wounds this evening, but I’m certain Galway’s impressive team will bounce back.