Reaching a hurling final at Croke Park usually takes years of hard work and dedication – but for one hurler on his stag do, a disguise and a brass neck was all that was required.
Aaron Maguire (29) from Belfast was spotted slipping past security in a full Kilkenny kit just after the side triumphed over Galway at Sunday’s Leinster SHC final.
Players on the team were quick to see the funny side and posed for pictures as Aaron even took the opportunity to invite player TJ Reid to his wedding in September.
Speaking to The Irish News, much to the delight of his friends in the background, Aaron explained how he managed to gatecrash Kilkenny’s victory lap.
Nowt to do with us
— Bredagh GAC (@BredaghGAC1) June 12, 2023
Good man Azza! @aaronmaguire123 https://t.co/yuuQuFjeoh
“I play hurling for Bredagh in Belfast, so 15 of us went down to Dublin for my stag over the weekend,” he said.
“We thought it was a really good idea for me to dress up. The lads on the Kilkenny team actually saw me in the stands and we could see them pointing and laughing.
“The next thing they asked security to let me on the field. I don’t think you could have ever planned it, but it all worked out.
“I was chatting to TJ Reid for about five minutes. He was wishing me well for the wedding and asking me when it was and if I was all set.
“It was really nice, he was so down to earth and it made for a really great weekend.”
Looking forward to his wedding with fiancée Amy Doherty from Bellaghy in September, Aaron said he would save a seat for the player, adding: “He said he’d get back to me.”
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