Laois hurling team short numbers so club secretary lines out at half-time

There are many reasons why we love the GAA, but dedication and commitment to the club must be high at the top of them. Very much in evidence at the Shanahoe club in Laois.

By Declan Whooley

Even before mass emigration started again in this country, struggling with numbers to make teams was an issue for many clubs and teams. Work commitments, prior engagements and bone idle laziness can all be contributing factors to why a team can start a game a man or two down on the opposition. Which is fine until half-time, but then the balance has to be addressed.

The hurlers of Shanahoe GAA club in Laois found themselves in a bit of a pickle when they were shorn numbers, but cometh the hour, cometh the man. That man was club secretary Neil Guilfoyle. Realising the predicament the team was in, he threw on the club jersey over his shirt and jumper, and while the trousers may have given him less movement, it did not prevent him from taking to the field.

We are told that Shanahoe were down 18 points at half-time during their Division 5 clash with Rosenallis but reduced this to five by the end of the game, so Neil must have had a strong influence on the game. Bring your gearbag the next time!

Hat-tip to John Clooney on Twitter for sending this our way.