Goodbye to the Whitewash

 

Our younger generation probably never saw a bucket of whitewash, it was gone even before the Celtic Tiger was let loose on us all. In its prime it was a sign of the Summer – and especially a Summer when the Yankees were due to visit home. It covered a multitude – cracks, holes, dampness – in the kitchen walls, the outside of the house, the piers of the gate, everywhere. And if there was a drop left in the bucket, the byre and the henhouse got a lick too.

 

A whitewash is something different in a sporting context and what individual or team has never had to experience one?  London is brimming with athletes at the moment, many of whom could easily recall their own bad days in their rise to the top.

 

The twelve teams still left in the All Ireland Championship would not have to delve too deep into their own record books to come up with days when they were found to be very, very short. But those days passed and they are enjoying their moments in the sun.

 

The days of the whitewash are over for Leitrim too. These last few weeks have proved that, in a very significant way. There will be no more twenty point beatings, Leitrim has taken on a new life and let evey supporter acknowledge the sheer hard work, the utter dedication, the fighting spirit in spite of the many adversities thrown at them, the self confidence, the manly willingness to give of their all, their work ethic, their new maturity … we could go on and on.

This years championship has proven to be a watershed and it is time for Brian Breen, George Dugdale, every single panel member, each one of the backroom team and all the County Board officers, sponsors and everyone who played any role, to take a well deserved bow and allow Leitrim people as one to salute you.