I was lucky enough to grow up before television and i-Pods and such like diversified and complicated society. Sport was an integral aspect of the way of life.
When I was a kid, and not just a small kid either, playing football on the street was hugely popular for people like me. Picking the two teams was a very democratic process based on two of the best players selecting from the assembled group in a declining order of merit.
I remember it being a pain when there were an odd number of players. In my neighbourhood, as with all neighbourhoods in inner city Dublin in those days, the standard was high and consequently those with limited ability on many occasions were just not allowed play.
This meant that an extra player in one team created a distinct advantage. Such was the natural understanding of football then that the team short a man always retained a cautious mentality until half time when the 'advantage’' switched sides.
This team with the extra man had to accrue as much profit as it could in the time allotted and even at that young age we knew enough to play a higher pace game when numerically superior.
These contests were important because losing meant you took some serious 'stick' only redeemed by success in the next game and individual rivalries became quite intense for the duration of the game, the week and, in some cases, for the duration of life.
I was reminded of those amiable times, times that instilled in me an indistinguishable love for the game of football and those I grew up alongside, as well as the most pertinent acceptance that football at all levels is about relating to people in friendship and rivalry, and all stages between, by events in Bari on Wednesday evening.
Football, as the world game, is ecumenical in thought and deed. It allows one to ponder with unpretentious impartiality the simple understanding that wherever we are from we all deserve to be allowed pursue our destiny. This pursuit should be relevant to our own ideology and yet within the accepted guidelines of respect for the values of others, hard as that may be at times.
In Bari the early dismissal of Giampaolo Pizzani, who did lead with his arm by the way, ensured the ‘advantage’ switched sides. This was not in the script and, despite all the reservations previously expressed by man woman and child, the transformation from artisan to artist was relatively seamless for the Irish players.
Players who five days before had appeared individually unwilling to look for a ball to feet and were collectively unable to transfer it from feet to feet, to a man accepted responsibility in a most impressive manner and took the game to the hosts with assured aplomb.
I accept that it was far from faultless as despite owning the ball for long periods, before renting it out now and then to the Italians for brief scary moments, we nonetheless failed to create any real worries for Buffon until Shay Given and Caleb Folan combined to present Robbie Keane with the simplest of chances.
But, the style of performance suggested that this team, despite its obvious faults, has given a broad hint to the manager that it believes itself capable of extending its level when required. The most impressive performances have been in the two games where it went behind against Georgia and Italy. Will Trap accept the bait?
It’s back to the bread and butter tonight as I am working as co-commentator for RTÉ Sport's live broadcast of the Bohemians versus Cork City game in Dalymount Park.
I was impressed with the style of play of the Champions in their victory over Shamrock Rovers two weeks ago and after what was seemingly a less attractive performance in Drogheda last week it will be very interesting to see if Bohs can reproduce the exciting style.
I will also be keen to see my old club Cork City in action. Every new manager deserves a settling in period and Paul Doolan should be coming to terms with his surroundings so I would imagine we will get a glimpse this evening of what lies ahead for The Rebel Army in 2009.
I still believe that City should be genuine contenders for the title this year as they have many talented and experienced players who know what it takes to win League and Cup medals.
I have to own up to liking the new Karaoke King slot on MNS. It takes some courage to stand up in front of your peers and let it all hang out. Galway’s Sean Kelly did a great job last week and despite Con Murphy ripping his singing I thought it was the best effort so far.
I had Sean at Cork City and it was good to see all those quick feet exercises we did bear fruit during his dancing routine. It would be even better though if he could just manage to extend this dexterity onto the park.
Sean is a good pro and I know that he will be a very good player when he grows up, mind you there is a distinct possibility that may never actually happen in his case.
Football does possess the capacity to encourage one retain a youthful outlook on life. Whether one is playing in Dalymount or Bari, it is the game shaped by the streets and parks of the world and therefore should always be reflective of the youngster that lies within us all.
