It’s that time of year again, the Electric Ireland GAA All-Ireland Minor Football Championship Final Day has finally arrived for Minor stars across the country who have been preparing for months. The counties have battled it out in their provinces, and now two teams have made it to the football final, as they go in pursuit of the ultimate Minor accolade. This is All-Ireland Minor Football Final weekend. This is the Electric Ireland GAA All-Ireland Minor Football Championship Final. This Is Major!
.jpg?sfvrsn=8657b70d_2 "7-things-web-large-617x411 (1)")
With Cork taking on Galway in the final, there promises to be a wonderfully competitive game in store for those making the trip to Croke Park. To get you in the spirit for the Minor final, we’ve listed eight things you’re likely to see on your way to Croke Park, and at the game itself, on All-Ireland Sunday.
8 Things You'll See at the Electric Ireland GAA All-Ireland Minor Football Championship Final
1) Hats, Scarves and County Flags
An essential as you make the walk towards Croker, All-Ireland Minor Football Final Day just wouldn’t be the same without the sound of someone screaming out “hats, scarves and county flags”. Show your support for your county and stand out by grabbing all three!
2) The Picnic Stop
With fans travelling to Dublin from Cork and Galway and even further afield, for the Electric Ireland GAA All-Ireland Minor Football Championship Final, expect one or two picnic stops along the way. This will of course include the all-important breakfast rolls and chicken fillet rolls.
3) The Championship Haircut
With players and fans getting their trademark championship haircuts at the Electric Ireland barbershop before the big game, you will be sure to see some of the iconic haircuts in Croke Park from ‘The All-Rounder’ to ‘The Minor Fade’. Get down to the Cusack Stand side of Croke Park between 11.30 and 1 to get your pre-match cut. Get down early to avoid disappointment!
4) Grown Men with Face Paint
Aside from Halloween, All-Ireland Minor Sunday is the only other day of the year when you can expect to see thousands of grown men do their best Ultimate Warrior impression by painting their faces in the colours of their County. As the final whistle draws closer, expect to see the pristine paint look more like war paint as the pressure begins to take its toll.
5) Bodhráns
Another given on the biggest day of the GAA Minor calendar, whether you’re walking past Quinn’s or McGraths, or standing on Hill 16, you’re sure to see (and hear) supporters from both teams at full voice, with the Bodhrán player acting as the orchestra conductor for the day - building the ultimate momentum.
6) Stars of the Future
Another thing you can be sure of seeing at the Electric Ireland GAA All-Ireland Minor Football Final are the stars of the future. Two of Cork’s current senior stars Brian Hurley and John O’Rourke played in the 2010 All-Ireland Minor final when they were defeated by Tyrone. Cork haven’t won the Minor title since 2000 therefore, the current Minor stars will be eager to be 2019 All-Ireland Minor Champions. While Galway fell short to Kerry in last year’s final, Minor stars Donie Halloran and Daniel Cox will represent their County again in Sunday’s final against Cork in hope that they will get the win this year-round.
When Dublin line-up against Kerry in the senior football final, we’ll see players who have helped their county win All-Ireland Minor titles as recently as 2012 (Dublin) and 2016 (Kerry), with Eric Lowndes (Dublin) and 20 year old David Clifford (Kerry) who only made his debut last year, looking to drive their County to success. With so many football stars beginning their GAA journey in the All-Ireland Minor Final, you’ll be sure to see some stars of the future cross the white line for Cork and Galway in the Electric Ireland GAA All-Ireland Minor Championship Final.
7) Fanatical Fans
When it comes to sports fans it’s hard to top GAA fans, especially when it comes to All-Ireland Sunday, and when it comes to the Minor final, you know you’re going to be surrounded by fanatical fans. From fans cheering on their family members to proud clubmen and women, you’ll find a wide range of fans beaming with pride that their county has made it to the big one!
Read more to find out the 10 supporters you’ll find at every GAA Minor game.
8) Proud Parents
Speaking of fans, there’ll be none prouder than the parents in the stand as they watch their son cross the line for the biggest game of their careers. These mums and dads have played a big role in the journey to Croke Park, so expect to see them take a keen interest from the stand, as they show their vocal support throughout.
Find out more about the role that GAA parents play in their sons Minor journey by reading our article on 8 things Every GAA Minor’s Parent Can Relate To.
Keep up to date with all the latest from the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Championship on Facebook and Twitter by searching for#GAAThisIsMajor.