Tá áthas orm a bheith libh inniu chun comórtas peile Phaidí Uí Shé a sheoladh. Bíonn daoine ó cheann ceann na tíre ag tnúth go mór leis gach bhliain. B’iontach do pheileadóirí agus do lucht féachana an t-atmaisféar iomaíoch a bhaineann leis. Tugann sé léiriú dúinn ar an áit lárnach atá ag ár gcluichí náisiúnta agus ár gcultúr i saol mhuintir na Ríochta.
I am delighted to be with you this evening to launch the annual Paidí Ó Sé Football Tournament. This event has carved out a special niche for itself in the GAA calendar over the last 16 years. The venue for this evenings launch differs from previous years. With the closing of the Burlington Hotel, we marked the end of its long association with GAA. I am delighted however, that the Shelbourne is providing the platform on this occasion steeped as this great hotel is in the history and culture of our capital.
Paidí has had much to contend with in recent times, in particular, the sad passing of his mother, Beatrice. Beatrice was a great character and was ever supportive of Paidí’s football career. Indeed, it is said that she reared him for football. And she lived to see him fulfill her plan to the full.
As we all know, the GAA is indebted to Paidí for his unique contribution to our games as both player and manager. Though his heart is in Kerry, his love for football ensured he would embrace not only the green and gold but many other shades of the GAA kaleidoscope in pursuit of excellence. And he continues that mission today, steadfastly nurturing the game by helping Dingle’s local college’s team, while also committing his energies to tourism and to this Festival.
Paidí is of course naturally keeping a close eye on the Kingdom’s progress and, as always is not short of advice on all things football. He was star of the show with Podge and Rodge recently. Naturally they asked him in their inimitable way if he would take on the mantle of Kerry manager again.
Paidí must be rightly proud of his three nephews. All three won All Stars Awards in the one year. Marc went on to win both Player of the Year and Texaco Football Player of the Year, which are among the most sought after sports awards of all. These remarkable achievements would be a source of pride to Beatrice, to their late father Micheál and to all supporters of Kerry. Darragh, Marc and Tomás are a huge asset to the Kerry team.
History has a habit of repeating itself. It would be some bonus for the Kingdom and for the Ó Sé clann, if this year, Kerry made the three in a row? It would, no doubt, revive Paidí’s fond memories of the glorious three in a row of the mid-80s in which Paidí played a key part. Kerry are eager. They are motivated and determined to win. The Dubs, as their traditional arch rivals would not be pleased and, given my own allegiances, I have to admit I would not savour the prospect. Dare I say, I would like to see the tables turn in the Championship stakes. The Dubs have been so near and yet so far. Whatever way things pan out, both teams can be optimistic about the year ahead.
And either way, there is something magical about the Dublin/Kerry brand of rivalry. We got a taste of it in last year’s semi final and I am relishing the prospect of us meeting again.
In the meantime, visitors to the Dingle Peninsula will also have much to look forward to. The occasion will bring people together from all over Ireland. The teams due to descend on West Kerry have some very talented players in their midst - hailing from the Kingdom itself, from Cork, Limerick, Mayo, Galway and for the first time from Waterford and last but not least, the Dubs themselves. Their skill as players adds significantly to the calibre of Gaelic Games at local level and will enhance visitors’ enjoyment of the festival.
In line with his commitment to sports and to his community, Páidi has been a strong advocate for tourism nationally and, in particular, for his native West Kerry. I commend you, Paidí, for your work as a member of the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland, over the last five years. Your Pub is a must-see for all GAA fans who visit and for tourists in general. Naturally, pictures of the great Kerry teams adorn its walls. But you can also boast a fine collection of pictures of the various celebrities who visited your famous hostelry over the decades. You are also very much aware of the role that photography plays in all aspects of life. And I think it is a great idea to line up a photographic exhibition for visitors to the region. It is one of the many attractions of the weekend every year.
This year’s photographic exhibition features the work of Eamonn Keogh from Killarney. The tournament will present an ideal opportunity to showpiece the variety of themes Eamonn covers during the course of his work.
This year’s sponsors are Ulster Bank and the structural and civil engineering company – O’Connor, Sutton, Cronin. I would like to thank them for their commitment to the wider community through their support of this tournament. I am sure as always it will be very well attended again this year.
Tá súil agam go mbainfidh sibh sult as Comórtas Peile Phaidí Uí Shé. Go n-éirí an t-áth libh go léir.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
ENDS.