Misguided bravado or enlightened riposte?
“So,” inquired a Dub of Hurler’s acquaintance, “are you traveling with hope?”
Gallivanting hadn’t crossed Hurler’s mind nor does Hurler know anyone named Hope so it took a second or two for the penny to drop that the learned gentleman was referring to the meeting of his venerated Dubs with Donegal on Sunday week. There wasn’t even a hint of conceit in how he framed the question although there may have been the faintest undertone of pity.
“Indeed and we are,” replied Hurler, and then – unable as always to apply the handbrake – strayed into injun territory: “I’m concerned for the poor oul Dubs, they’ve no idea what’s coming down the tracks at them!” Yer man glanced at Hurler from under his glasses and reacquainted himself with his own business, mildly miffed that what he considered a perfectly reasonable icebreaker had been volleyed back at him with interest rather testily added.
So, misguided bravado or enlightened riposte on Hurler’s behalf?
As Hurler indicated here last week, there is no reason whatsoever that Donegal folk shouldn’t be heading for the Pale on Sunday week with anything other than expectation of booking a berth in the 2014 All-Ireland final. But, as Hurler acknowledged here too only last week, the obstacle posed by Dublin is monumental. Many folk are of the opinion that should Donegal account for the Dubs it would qualify as Jim McGuinness’ greatest achievement as an inter-county manager. Hurler wouldn’t necessary disagree with that sentiment.
To read more of ‘Hurler on the ditch’ click here.
