Rivals. But on the pitch only.
Outside of the 60 minutes of championship action, every club is just the same really.
They’ve all the same problems, the same characters and the same life. The GAA can cook up some of the most hateful feuds but, then, so can any family.
This weekend, the people of Clare put aside whatever differences they have and whatever tension that was simmering before the football championship to come together in a beautiful tribute to Michael O’Shea.
At 37 years of age, O’Shea’s life was taken far too soon.
He was a stalwart of the county, a fine footballer, and a good man.
His passing rocked the Banner county but that tragic day won’t let the iconic number 15 be forgotten in Clare circles.
As the club championship rolled out on Saturday and Sunday, every team retired their number 15 for the day to respect the memory of O’Shea. Across the county, club teams hung up and lie down their jerseys with number 15 on the back of them and they placed them side by side with their rivals.
It was a powerful show of community and class. It was a fitting tribute to a great man and drew the acclaim of every Gael all over the island.
@EireOgInisGAA & @DooraBarefield Remembering Michael O'Shea RIP #15 @stsenanskilkee pic.twitter.com/zVFhdnXJqu
— CLG Éire Óg Inis (@CLGEireOgInis) September 1, 2018
Lovely tribute to the late Michael O’Shea. HT here in Doonbeg: Kildysart 1-6, @NaomhEoinGAA 0-8 pic.twitter.com/peM611Yo2h
— Kildysart GAA (@KildysartGAA) September 1, 2018
Moments silence observed in great respect and fond memory of the late Michael O’Shea ahead of our #SFC clash with @ClondegadF May he rest in peace #ripshea pic.twitter.com/3ntIOeuLiX
— Cratloe GAA Club (@CratloeGAAClub) September 1, 2018
Today @EireOgInisGAA & @BannerGAAEnnis Junior A footballers display their #15 jerseys side by side to honour Micheal O'Shea of St. Senans Kilkee RIP pic.twitter.com/jwb1hD7iys
— CLG Éire Óg Inis (@CLGEireOgInis) September 2, 2018
@kibgaaclub & @DooraBarefield Juniors honor the Great Michael O’Shea today ahead of their 1/4 Final in Lissycasey pic.twitter.com/QdVdkDs6l5
— Kilmurry Ibrickane GAA (@kibgaaclub) September 2, 2018
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