In the nineties, during the Kells inner-city football league, Headfort Grove was unconventionally a force to be reckoned with, even without the help of international players. The housing estate clubs, each carrying a unique identity, performed admirably well without foreign talent augmentation; notably the students who came to sharpen their language proficiency in English and refine their football skills in the course of the summer vacations.
It was well known; the Grove played hard, Rockfield were more gentle, while Windy’s team had their pitch oddly placed around an electricity pylon. McCullen’s team had a unique pitch design too, a hill, which either meant you played uphill or downhill. Some teams managed to secure the service of talented players during the summer, players whose skills and tricks were usually only watched on internationally renowned football shows such as Match of the Day or Football Italia.
Speculations continue about ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid player, Xabi Alonso, playing in the league during his month-long stay in Kells in mid-nineties. Since his visit, several locals now in their late 30s or 40s reminisce about playing football with the former Spanish international. However, the truth is not entirely certain.
Regardless, Alonso’s legacy and his football prowess persist in past anecdotes told with fondness in the town, including a notable one by Skol McGovern, the human archive of Kells’ urban history.
This week, in his return visit to Ireland, Alonso will guide Bayer Leverkusen to face Atalanta in the Europa League final at the renowned Aviva Stadium.
Alonso, during his stay-over, used to reside with the O’Brien family at Headfort Park, which was located adjacent to Headfort Grove, the site of his many football exploits in the town. Looking back, Fidelma and Liam O’Brien, his hosts, who took care of students every summer, consider him to be their most famed guest.
During his visit in July, Xabi was often in the open, despite the frequent downpours. Whether in the Grove or Rockfield, he was a regular fixture on the football fields. His exceptional talents were not only noticed but also acknowledged.
Despite his superior skills, Xabi was not protected or given any special treatment. He played alongside the other boys, immersing himself in the thrill of the sport for hours on end. Each summer, Spanish students would gather at the local GAA ground. It was here Alonso was introduced to the distinctive forms of Gaelic football and hurling – specifically, the north-Meath style of the latter.
At a press briefing that took place in ahead of a match on Tuesday evening, Alonso talked about his previous experiences in Ireland. When he was 14, he visited Kells and cherished his summer there.
Alonso said, “Coming back to Dublin always feels great because I’ve had a bond with Ireland since that time and during my Liverpool years. I feel a strong connection with the place and it’s wonderful to be back here.”
In the past, he commented that the football he encountered in Kells was fairly vigorous. Comparing his home in northern Spain to Ireland, he recognized the stark differences not just in weather, but also culture. However, he stressed that he enjoyed the one-month stint.
Alonso had a keen observer in Liam, who passed away in 2022. Liam kept a close watch over Xabi’s career over the years. Fidelma mentioned that Liam was not just excited but also deeply invested in Xabi’s current venture, managing a team in a final taking place in Dublin. Similarly, their children, who were amongst Alonso’s fans, keenly followed every move he made on the field.
Mark Butler, the 40-year-old vice-chairman of Kells Celtic, wasn’t entirely sure if he had ever competed against Xabi back in the nineties, but he didn’t altogether reject that possibility. Mark planned to be in Dublin that very night, prepared to experience the Europa League final.
“It seems quite appropriate that his maiden European championship as a coach would be bagged in Ireland, considering the youthful summer he spent in this country,” were his words. “Majority of the locals are rooting for a Leverkusen victory, it’s a remarkable achievement for a local lad to have progressed so impressively!” According to the denizens of Kells, Xabi Alonso is considered one of their kin.