Football

Danny Hughes: Social media can have its uses in helping relive some of GAA's glory days

The 2013 All-Ireland semi-final showdown between Dublin and Kerry was one of the great contests Croke Park has seen in recent decades, with Jim Gavin's all-conquering Dubs eventually pulling away at the end. Picture by Sportsfile
The 2013 All-Ireland semi-final showdown between Dublin and Kerry was one of the great contests Croke Park has seen in recent decades, with Jim Gavin's all-conquering Dubs eventually pulling away at the end. Picture by Sportsfile The 2013 All-Ireland semi-final showdown between Dublin and Kerry was one of the great contests Croke Park has seen in recent decades, with Jim Gavin's all-conquering Dubs eventually pulling away at the end. Picture by Sportsfile

THE only social media platform I use is Twitter - I am not entirely sure why. Unsocial media is a part of society now, ingrained in our own daily behaviours as well as those of our children and family.

I had a Facebook page at one time but it was becoming ridiculous. People sending public messages to beyond the grave, telling their kids they love them (despite the fact that the children can’t read), and wives and girlfriends showing off their latest beautiful present (usually a white Range Rover) became all too much for me.

Society has become obsessed with seeking approval. The more followers and likes you get, the better your life it seems. Take Donald Trump, a man who, in any other normal functioning democracy, is never elected President of the United States.

Social media platforms and their own version of ‘the truth’ carried by equivalent networks such as Fox has created chaos within normal functioning governments across the world.

Unfortunately, guys like Trump have been operating within society since the horse and carriage but they were either ignored, barred from the premises or exiled to the outer corners.

Social Media has given anonymity and bravery in equal measure. It has given a voice to those who should never be allowed that luxury. Sport hasn’t escaped and neither have the performers.

There have been laws put in place that will provide some protection but these are very difficult and costly to adopt if you are the one on the receiving end of serious abuse.

When you work in journalism or you write a column, your name is at the top and your opinion is in black and white. I believe there is honour in giving an opinion to the reader and standing over it, right or wrong, agree or disagree.

It doesn’t make it any easier when you dish out abuse or a contentious opinion, but there is something to be said for ‘owning’ that opinion. Yet keyboard warriors infect every sport, including the GAA.

When I played I was aware of the fact that these boards existed. I never went on them whether we, as a team, were going well or not.

Some players will look to social media for praise but it is a two-sided coin. Trust me, as a player, the people you look to for advice should be trusted confidants who understand the game. More often than not I would narrow any advice you seek in a sporting sense to those who have played the game.

Social media does have some beneficial aspects, however, in terms of social connection. Whether it is a chance to share pictures, or reconnect with friends and family, at times it can prevent loneliness creeping in for some.

You can learn a lot about news and current affairs from sources you would otherwise not be aware of or have access to. And in my love of sport, I can access information - anything from coaching advice, to interviews, to sporting moments.

I have felt this lockdown particularly difficult to be honest. I never like January but the weather, dark evenings and being housebound continually does nothing for my mood. Add in the uncertainty of Covid and it is particularly tough.

My anxiety is not primarily fixed on the infection itself and the initial physical effects but the chance that it may lead to a ‘long Covid’. I love training and there is enough evidence out there to suggest that even the fittest people can suffer from the after-effects six months on.

I understand that the current restrictions are not the worst thing to ever happen society. There are people looking at delayed operations and postponed cancer treatment, there are those suffering in intensive care units across the country. I know people who have died from Covid and their families get no closure in a wake or attendance at a funeral.

Anxiety and depression is everywhere, and has been exasperated by this latest lockdown.

From a personal perspective, I have spent more time on social media than normal – not the most productive use of time. I have also watched a significant amount of television in the last 12 months.

Every episode of Peppa Pig, Ben and Holly and Fireman Sam - that happens when you have three kids under five. I have also seen most series’ on Sky, Netflix and the BBC.

I have also watched some great Gaelic football matches, the latest being the 2013 All-Ireland semi-final between Dublin and Kerry. It was shared via Twitter so in a way I have it to be thankful for that I got another opportunity to see that game.

It was simply one of the greatest games of the decade, two brilliant teams with brilliant players. The game ended in a seven point win for Dublin but on 70 minutes it was a draw heading into three minutes of injury-time.

As part of their pre-season training, the current crop of Kerry players and management should watch this game. It is a classic case of dying with your boots on, as opposed to that debacle their supporters were subjected to last season against Cork.

Personally, on reviewing that Munster Championship encounter back in November, I have come to the conclusion that an open draw may not be in our best interests as supporters.

There is something unique and atmospheric about a Dublin vs Kerry semi-final on a warm day in Croke Park. The same goes for Mayo when they reach that stage. It wouldn’t be the same of any of those clashes were to take place in the earlier rounds – we need the game’s heavyweights to stay in the Championship as long as possible.

And while social media may not be that social a lot of the time, it can be useful in reconnecting us to our game - the game we love and one that, I hope, returns us to sunny days like those in 2013 and that Kerry v Dublin semi-final showdown.