Of all the players on this current Dublin team, few will be remembered more fondly than the one and only Kevin McManamon. A true blue warrior and darling of the Hill, Kevin changed the course of GAA history with two famous goals against Kerry in 2011 and 2013.
I wrote this a few years ago after watching the 2013 semi-final, when the only thing louder than the collective crack of thousands of Kerry hearts breaking was the sound of Croke Park launching into the stratosphere with the Dublin fans' roar.
It got me thinking about what a fantastic talent this guy is and the original goal in 2011 when he turned the game.
Kevin Mac, or 'Maxi', as he is also known by Dublin fans is a great man for a sing song so I thought it would be a bit of fun to rewrite the words of 'The Rose Of Tralee' as 'The Bane Of Tralee' (sung to the same tune).
Kerry fans will think this blasphemous, but sure isn't that the point?
Sing it out loud whenever you meet a Kerry fan! I find it best to keep a straight face and do your best John McCormack impression for added comedic effect. Enjoy!
The Bane of Tralee
The Pale Blue was rising upon Hill 16
Kerry were declining beneath the blue sea;
When I watched him waltz through the defence of the Kingdom,
And win the All-Ireland against our old enemy,
Yes, he broke Kerry hearts in the final few minutes
Yet 'twas not his goal-scoring alone that won me;
Oh no, 'twas the glint in his eyes ever dawning,
That made me love Maxi, the Bane of Tralee.
The cool shades of evening their mantle were spreading,
And Maxi all smiling was holding the Sam;
The O'Se's and Gooch Cooper; sad tears they were shedding,
We even felt sorry for poor Pat Spillane.
Yes, he broke Kerry hearts in the final few minutes
Yet 'twas not his goal-scoring alone that won me;
Oh no, 'twas the glint in his eyes ever dawning,
That made me love Maxi, the Bane of Tralee.
In the far field of Drumcondra in 2011,
His goal was a solace and comfort to me,
But we knew even then that once again he would plunder;
And earn him the moniker; the Bane of Tralee.
Yes, he broke Kerry hearts in the final few minutes
Yet 'twas not his goal-scoring alone that won me;
Oh no, 'twas the glint in his eyes ever dawning,
That made me love Maxi, the Bane of Tralee.
Comments