For one particular Italian family, the phrase ‘All roads lead to Rome’ takes a different twist, as this weekend, their destination is exclusively Croke Park. There, they are fervently hoping to witness their cherished Cork football team claim the Liam McCarthy Cup, which they have not attained in nearly twenty years.
The captivating saga of the Rinaldi family; Riccardo, Cristina, and their 22-year-old son Roberto, with Cork GAA unfolded when they chanced upon Gaelic football on TV during a 2009 trip to the west of Cork. Ever since that pivotal moment, their passionate support for the ‘Blood and Bandage’ in both hurling and our native game of football, hasn’t wavered.
Back in 2009, they travelled to Croke Park to witness Kerry’s triumph over Cork. However, they were back among the crowd in 2010 to cheer on their beloved team as the Cork footballers secured a victory against Down, winning the Sam Maguire. The loyal trio returned again in 2013, despite witnessing another Cork defeat at the hands of Clare.
Speaking from their residence in Mantua, known locally in Lombardy as Mantova, an excited Riccardo shared his anticipation regarding the forthcoming match. His battle cry for the game was “forza ribelli” (let’s go rebels), expressed as the family embarked on their journey to Dublin Airport last Friday.
As devoted fans, the Rinaldi family have been faithfully trailing the championship throughout the summer. However, their spirits took a hit following the match against Waterford. Riccardo noted that the team performed slightly better against Clare, yet he was only able to view the Limerick game via replay due to other engagements. Despite this, he found the victory breathtaking.
However, the games against Offaly and Dublin dampened his hopes, leaving him feeling apprehensive prior to the semi-final two weeks ago. To his delight, and the surprise of many, Cork triumphed over Limerick once again. Despite being an arduous match, he firmly believes that Cork merited the win.
Riccardo revealed his fondness for the dearly departed broadcaster Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, remembering how he danced merrily to signify his retirement following the 2010 All-Ireland’s Cork win. Remembering the celebrated broadcaster, Riccardo admitted that his absence will indeed be profoundly felt.
Riccardo, a chemical engineer, has an unusual passion for Gaelic games, something that often leaves his friends and colleagues intrigued and slightly bewildered. However, Riccardo remains unflinching in his affection for hurling and football, despite being an ardent supporter of Fiorentina from his boyhood days.
He openly admits to having a preference between Gaelic sports and soccer. His admiration for a video commentator whom he credits with showing Ireland in a light not many others have, extends to the point where he wished he could have personally expressed his gratitude. The commentator’s way of making even a simple sandwich-making tutorial entertaining won a special place in his heart.
He cheekily mentions that his constant gushing about Cork’s football and hurling teams has probably exhausted everyone in Mantova. His love for Cork’s teams goes beyond just admiration. In the past, during the 2021 All-Ireland, he had expressed his willingness to sacrifice Italy’s Euro 2020 victory for a Cork win. Maintaining the same stance, Riccardo highlighted how he has held up his end of the bargain by accepting Italy’s loss in Germany during Euro 2024.
He exudes confidence for Cork’s team’s odds in the upcoming matches. He does not want to speculate beyond that, but he is optimistic about their chances. However, he cannot shake off his distressing memory of the 2013 attack led by Shane O’Donnell, where he scored three goals against Cork. He remains hopeful that if Cork maintains the form they showed against Limerick, they stand a real shot.