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All-Ireland Senior Football Final
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When:
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21 Sep 2008 (annual)
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Where:
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Croke Park
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The All-Ireland Senior Football Final, from Croke Park in Dublin, is the climax of Ireland's most popular sporting season. On match day the fantastic old stadium is full to the rafters, creating an unparalleled atmosphere.
Spectators witness an encounter between the two best regional teams of the year, containing mostly amateur players who have reached the pinnacle of their nation's favourite sport.
Gaelic football is similar to traditional football, but is much more fun to watch as it has no silly rules like offside. At least that's what the proponents claim. In reality, to the uninitiated, the game is a chaotic scramble full of strange idiosyncratic rules. The ball can be played with both hand and foot, but every four steps the ball must be switched from hand to foot. Are you following? The goalposts are similar to those in standard football but extended, enabling points to be scored both below and above the posts. A goal under the bar is worth three points, over is worth one. Don't worry, it will all become clear eventually.
A visit to Croke Park is an incredible experience. Inside the ground you will find that big groups of friends gather at their favourite place, engaging in noisy good-hearted banter. The Hill is the place to be to experience the event at its noisiest and rowdiest. However, if this is not quite to your taste, try the rebuilt east stand where the seating is comfortable and the view of the game is great. It is unlikely that any game is played with as much passion, bravery or skill. Anyone addicted to sport for its raw energy, competitive drive and team spirit must see at least one game of Gaelic football. This is the one.
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