Sarán Ó Fionnagáin of Wolfetones is pictured during the GAA’s Annual Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta launch at Croke Park in Dublin.
By John Harrington
Reigning Comórtas Peile na Gaeltactha champions, Wolfe Tones from Meath, will be going all out to retain their title when the 53rd staging of the competition takes place in the West Cork Gaeltacht of Múscraí this weekend.
It’s a competition that means a lot to the Meath men, and key forward, Sarán Ó Fionnagáin, is once again eagerly anticipating the unique challenge it poses for all the competing teams.
“It's massive for us,” he told GAA.ie. “We got down every year and try out best every year. We won last year and in 2018 as well.
“In both years it was great to bring the Cup home and see the flags and then celebrate together was brilliant. It shows us as players what it means to people around the place.
“Last year's win was quite special with the final going to extra-time against Naomh Conaill. Even the support we got down there last year was immense. It's a big thing for us.
“I actually wish there were more teams involved because it's an unbelievable competition, you're playing against really good footballers.
“People think it might be handy to just go down and play a few games, but when you're playing in that heat and on the hard ground it's not easy. Last year we had three games in three days with the final going to extra-time and the heat was unbelievable.
“It's just a brilliant competition. And even when you lose you get to mix with all the people from the different clubs so it's a great experience and I look forward to it every year.”
When some people think of Gaeltacht areas in Ireland, Meath may not be the first county that comes to mind.
But the Baile Ghib Gaeltacht has both a long and very interesting history.
In 1937 a number of families from the western seaboard moved to the area as part of a resettlement scheme undertaken by the Irish Land Commission.
The Wolfe Tones players celebrate after winning the Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta.
Ó Fionnagáin’s granny, a Kerry-woman, was one of the migrants, and a love for the language has been passed down the generations to he and his four brothers who are all fluent speakers.
“People came from all over the country,” says Ó Fionnagáin. “Kerry, Mayo, Donegal, a small bit of Galway as well. They set up in Gibbstown and it's grown ever since. It could still do a bit more growing, but it's getting there.
“It's kind of mad the way it happened and everyone came together to set up a great community in Báile Ghib and it's a very close one. It's like one big family.
“We've a lovely primary school (Scoil Naisunta Ultain Naofa) and Eamon Ferry who was there for a good few years as principal would have done a great job and taught lots of us who have gone on to win a senior championship with our club in 2021.
“It's a proud tradition to our Gaeltacht and that's why it's special to be involved in this competition.”
The closeness of the Báile Ghib community is reflected in how competitive Wolfe Tones are as a club.
They draw from a relatively small pool of players compared to some of their more urban rivals, but in recent times they’ve been serial contenders for silverware.
“In the last few years we've been there or there abouts in the senior championship,” says Ó Fionnagáin.
“We've been senior since '06. In 2021 we won our second title and generally we're reaching quarters, semis, and finals and competing well against clubs from the big towns with more numbers.
“Even when we lose a few lads we've good underage structures bringing more lads through to take over and keep the ship going. It's an honour to play with this group because, as I say, it's like a small family.”
Attendees, from left, Daingean Uí Chúis club representative, Dónall Ó Loinsigh, Evan Ó Flatharta of Naomh Anna Leitir Móir, Rian Mac Seáin of Cill Chartha, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns, Éamonn Óg Ó Crotaigh of An Rinn, Séamus Ó Domhnaill of Béal an Mhuirthead, Sarán Ó Fionnagáin of Wolfetones, Cathaoirleach Choiste na Gaeilge CLG Áine Uí Choinn and Cill na Martra club representative Siobhán Ní Chuana are pictured during the GAA’s Annual Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta launch at Croke Park in Dublin. Select attendees at the event included Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha, TG4, Gearóid Mac Donncha, Raidió na Gaeltachta, Sean Ó hEarcáin, Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta, Cathal Seoighe, Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
The Comórtas Peile na Gaeltactha serves a couple of purposes for the Wolfe Tones footballers. It’s not just an opportunity to win silverware, it’s an annual team-bonding expedition that sets them up nicely for the Meath championship.
“If you win it all the better and even if you lose it's a great team-building experience because everyone is down wherever it is and you get to enjoy the rest of the weekend and watch the football together and hopefully enjoy the good weather,” he says.
“It's not very often you get a nice weekend away with your friends and bond as a team, and no other club in Meath gets to do it. What more could you want than going down to play football with lads you are friends with.
“We'll be trying our best again this year and hopefully we'll be there or there abouts.”
