FF MEP for Leinster, Jim Fitzsimmons, has reluctantly had to forego an engagement in Croke Park on Friday to act as grand marshal in the St Patrick's Day, parade in Richmond, Virginia.
Since he accepted the invitation he learned of the special celebration to mark the centenary of the first all-Ireland football and hurling finals at the grounds, in 1896. His grandfather, James Russell played for the Pierce O'Mahony club of Navan against Tipperary's Arravalle Rovers. The MEP says he is proud of his grandfather - when Parnell was denounced from the church in Navan he led the congregation out in protest.
Modern members of the four teams will turn out for a reenactment on Friday, a plaque will be unveiled by GAA president Jack Boothman and the teams will go home with a scroll for their clubhouses. The original football game is notorious for the fact that the ref changed his mind. After allowing a point during the match, he wrote to the papers afterwards disallowing it and declaring the game a draw. He wouldn't get away with that now.