Thursday, March 17, 2011

The Empire

On this St. Patrick’s Day, and on the start of the NCAA tournament, I must talk about a true champion, what the folks call the Gaelic Athletic Association sponsored Gaelic Football team from County Kerry, “The Empire”. On my last visit to County Kerry, a good friend of mine, Ger Terrant gave me one of their jersey’s and I have it on this March 17th.


County Kerry is the most successful team in the history of Gaelic football. It has won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship on 36 occasions and the National Football League 19 times, both of which are far more than any other county. The county holds a number of distinctive records in football championship history. As of 2009, Kerry has contested 55 All-Ireland finals, the next highest number of championships, being Dublin with 35 appearances. Heck, they have also won eleven All-Ireland Senior Women Championships.

As you watch the NCAA tournament today, give a little Irish luck to the underdogs, and think of “The Empire”.

Sláinte (Gaelic for health, cheers, or good luck)
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  1. AnonymousMarch 17, 2011 at 6:55 AM

    J.G. you are a multicultural icon and somewhat of an enigma. Your world travels have given us a unique perspective of the world around us. There may be an uninformed few who picture helmets, shoulder pads and uprights when you mention the word football. Being an old soccer / football coach myself, I know of whence you speak.

    God save the Queen and the Empire!! (Wrong country??!!!)

    See ya' on Friday.

    TB

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