An Ode to 2007

[azoffaly]

In a moment of boredom, I came up with this modern day classic to sum up part of our 2007 inter county experience.

Next year will be different, the Faithful lads said,
As 2006 we did put to bed.
We'll train, and we'll run and we'll burst a gut sore,
To make sure we become a power once more.

In Hurling and Football, there's few that compare,
in making the best of resources so spare;
In olden times past, we've battled with skill,
in spite of our size, great Giants to kill.

Kerry, Kilkenny, Cork, Limerick and Clare,
have fallen to Offaly's courage and flair.
We've hassled and harried, and put to the sword,
some counties who'd rather have us ignored.

But all that was past, and the recent years showed
that the Faithful lads carried that hunger no more.
So for 2007 we all did heartily say
Let's rediscover the fire and carry the day.

Sadly, great words and bar-room pledges and bluster,
are easy to say and fade like the snow of last winter
Our Footballers struggled in the league with Pat Roe,
and 4 goals from the Rossies meant the trapdoor.

Our Hurlers gave brief hope in the league, it's true
As McIntyre culled his squad like a herd with tongue blue,
Victories came in the Deise and more,
but relegation loomed with Limerick's huge score.

And so to the summer, with resentment abrew,
As thoughts of those word spoken, so hollow anew.
In Portlaoise on a beautiful bright summers day,
The big ball saw Carlow destroyed, oh hurray.

The hurlers came out in the subsequent game,
in order to frighten the Cats not so tame.
For 35 minutes it all looked so well,
But Kilkenny found second gear, and it all went to hell.

Pat Roe's men took on Dublin next out,
'At least we'll have fight, of that there's no doubt'
But what happened that day, will live long in mind's eye,
As Offaly rolled over, laid down and died.

To make matters worse, if such a thing could be said,
Or championship season was equally dead.
To pay for our tumble from two down to four,
'twas shut in our face, the Qualifier Door.

To Aughrim instead to face Micko's young pups,
In that farce of a tourney, the Boy Wonder Cup.
The Faithful were barely able to raise a small trot,
As the Garden boys showed that for them 'twas a lot.

So to early pastures our big ballers went,
With many fine curses and p*ssing into the tent.
The rumour mill started, as it does every year,
Sure how could they play? They were all full of Beer.

The hurlers endeavored to flog a dead horse,
But despite a good start, it soon got much worse.
Unlucky to lose against a gallant Tipp side,
The Rebels from Cork slapped their backside.

The final game mattered little, what a pitiful lark,
As just as bad Dublin came to Tullamore park.
There were more players and subs and management teams,
Than fans of the sides, blue bloods or green.

But amidst all this mourning and gnashing of teeth,
All is not lost, we're still on our feet.
Our young 21's gave hope in both codes,
reaching 2 Leinster finals, and battling in both.

We never stay down for manys the day,
Our pride will still lift us, we hope and we pray
So forget foul '07, and get in the beer,
And tell us again, '08 is our Year!!

[Skippy]

Excellent stuff AZ, an clasic in the making! Well done! Looking forward to a really positive one full of victories for 2008!

[Kevin]

Excellent!!!!!!!

Thanks for sharing.

[Plain of the Herbs]

Superb. Well done.