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The end of the Electric Ireland GAA Ulster Minor Football Championship is looming as it reaches the final stage this weekend. Minor football and hurling are often the starting point for many inter-county stars, but what about those who make a major impact from the stands?
Minor teams form a big part of local communities, and with this comes great support, both at club and county level. Ahead of the Ulster Minor Football Championship Final on Sunday, which sees Monaghan battle it out against Tyrone at the Armagh Athletic Grounds, we thought we would take a look at the ‘16th man.’
10 Fans You Will See at Minor GAA Games
1) The Caring Mum
Where would a minor star be without their mum? From getting the tough stains out of the gear and ensuring the boots are ready, to preparing the right food to help them along the way, the relationship between the caring mum and her son is something special. Expect to see them cheering every touch and pass made by their son on the field, and possibly having words with the referee should there be a strong challenge on him!
2) The Cheerleader
Most likely part of a group of young fans, the cheerleader can be found cheering on minors up and down the country. Due to the volume of games they attend, this is a very knowledgeable and trusted fan at minor level.
3) The Young Pup
From 12 to 16 year olds, you will find the younger players of clubs or the minor stars younger siblings regularly attending minor games. These are the ones with aspirations to one day pull on a minor county shirt themselves and will watch on with a keen eye in hope that they will learn exactly what it takes to become a minor star.
4) The Board Member
Whether it’s at club level or county level, the members of the board are always keen fans. The minor team form a big part of any club and county, and the board is always keen to see how the guys are performing. Interest from board members reaches fever pitch come championship season and can help motivate the team.
5) The Enemy
A regular attendee at minor club games, the enemy is a fan that usually plays for the neighbouring team. They will come along to do their best scouting job, while also making their presence known to club supporters by donning their own club colours. Expect to find these guys huddled in a section of the pitch on their own.
6) The Senior Star
The fan that all those on the pitch aspire to be, the senior star is one of the main players within the club and could even be representing their county. For minor footballers and hurlers, seeing the senior stars watch the game can be a big lift. And, for the senior star, it can be nostalgic for some and a great way to get a glimpse of the future and see who is coming through to take their place.
7) The Shouter
The overly aggressive fan that every club has, whether it’s the manager, referee or the players, this fan feels the need to express their passion for almost every incident in a very loud way. If you could bottle up their enthusiasm and give it to every supporter, it would certainly be a big lift to the guys on the field!
8) The Analyst
From every puck out and side-line ball, to a fist pass and solo effort, this fan is analysing everything that happens to spot the potential stars of the future. They are often a very knowledgeable fan and may have even been a minor or senior star in days gone by or the Dads of the minor players!
9) The Referee’s Enemy
Normally found standing beside the caring mum, board member or the swearer, this fan is on the referee’s case at every decision, letting them know why they were wrong. This is probably the one voice that will stand out from the rest of the pack, as the minors continue to go about their business on the pitch.
10) The Clubman (or woman)
The fan who will be at every game, from youth right through to seniors and reserves, this supporter is a truly dedicated fan that will come out to watch the minor game come rain or shine. They will have seen it all and can rhyme off the minor stars that have come up through the club and county throughout the years, even sharing some of their greatest games. If you impress this fan, you are heading in the right direction!
Keep up to date with all the latest from the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Championship on Facebook and Twitter by searching for #GAAThisIsMajor.