The robust health of hurling and gaelic football has been underlined in a fitting way in the last four weeks with exceptional All-Ireland hurling and football finals. The highlights of the GAA year are remarkable days in the Irish sporting and cultural calendar but rarely are both finals remembered for displaying the sublime skills and individual brilliance associated with both codes. Galway's victory in Sunday's football final, built on outstanding footballing skills, expert coaching and wonderful athleticism, will go some way towards restoring the game's image, which has suffered in comparison to hurling's renaissance over recent championship campaigns. It has become almost a cliche to blame the ills of gaelic football on poor refereeing and inadequate laws but the fundamentals of the sport were given a major fillip in Sunday's game and in other championship matches throughout the summer.
The argument that it is almost impossible for truly skilful Gaelic football teams to thrive in a game dominated by basketball-type skills and negative tactics has some basis. But the manner of Galway's first All-Ireland win since 1966 dispelled some of those criticisms on the most important stage of the year for the sport. Even the most casual observer of Sunday's final could only have been impressed with the range of talents displayed by both teams and the admirable spirit in which the game was played.
That spirit spilled over among supporters of both Kildare and Galway who conducted themselves in a manner that is almost unique in the partisan world of big-time sport. Their fervour is as much part of an All Ireland occasion as the game itself and the unbridled scenes of enthusiasm in Tuam and Kildare last night were a fitting tribute to both sides.
Although the hurling and football championships continue to draw enormous attendances and television audiences, the GAA is aware that it needs great occasions like All-Ireland final day to draw young and gifted athletes towards their games. The knockout basis of the GAA championships may hinder the development of the superstar phenomenon common to other sports but the honesty and integrity of hurling and football's star players - role models for thousands of young people - have an appeal that is refreshing when matched against the world of professional sport.
The GAA comes in for its share of criticism - some of it ill-informed and unjust. But it continues to set the standards in Irish sport with a wonderful new stadium at Croke Park and the injection of funds to practically every club in the country. Its influence is keenly felt in every town and village on this island. Games like Sunday's thrilling All- Ireland final will go a long way towards maintaining that pre-eminent position.