The Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, yesterday introduced TG4's impressive new sports series Laochra Gael with a jovial swipe at the detractors of the association and of his party.
"Despite everything that is said about a certain political party and the GAA - we are still bloody here, you know," he declared.
The Minister was attending the function at the GAA's museum, along with association dignitaries and guests of TG4.
McCreevy remembered predicting, in negotiations with GAA president Sean McCague prior to the Government grant of £60 million to the association, that while little comment had been passed on funding given to other sports bodies, there would be an outcry over the GAA allocation. The moral, he offered, was clear enough: "If you are a member of a certain political party and of the GAA, then you're shagged altogether."
Laochra Gael will profile heroes of past championships. It features 10 giants from the living past and promises to enhance the Irish language station's already impressive contribution to sports documentaries.
The scope of those profiled is tremendously varied, from Dublin legend Brian Mullins to Cavan's John Wilson, who played in the Polo Grounds final of 1947 and now acts as commissioner for the location of Victims' Remains. A compilation, shown at yesterday's launch, highlighted the fact that it is the stories of Gaelic Games as much as the onfield feats that sustain any sporting body. Offaly's Pat Fleury speaks movingly about his friend and team-mate, Pat Carroll, who passed away in 1986.
Mullins talks about his current role in UCD, his faith in God and, in one section, about his reputation about being a tough player. Asked, in a priceless interview with RTE, about accusations of being "dirty", a young Mullins just smiles wryly and says: "Strangely enough, I don't recall anyone coming up to me and saying that to my face."
The series begins on Monday (11.25 p.m.) with a programme dedicated to Clare hurling revolutionary Ger Loughnane.
The National Hurling League Division One relegation play-off between Dublin and Antrim, scheduled for Saturday in Newry, has been postponed at the request of both counties. No alternative date has been set.
