BOYLAN TALKS SPORT: Is there a nice way to deliver bad news?

Not all that long ago, mention was afforded to the fact that the habit had been gotten into of retweeting - or re-posting as it’s now dubbed on what must henceforth be known as X - the goings on at matches it was desired one could be at. How it began I honestly don’t know. Perhaps as a means of softening the blow of not being there, writes Brendan Boylan.

Being honest, the thought of whether anyone would see or be following my relaying of the text commentary never even entered my head.

Until, I suppose, the Covid-19 outbreak increased cognisance of people other than myself being unable to attend matches. Thus, passing on the text commentary - thereby living out the drama in my own way - has become second nature.

Through said means, highs and lows including but not limited to several Leinster SFC reversals, Meath's first All Ireland Ladies SFC triumph, our lads' Minor outright success and the burgeoning number of significant victories in Hurling and Camogie taken in.

Now, as has been referenced here previously, thanks to my significant other, what was a hiatus of six or seven years of being 'off the circuit' going to matches has been well and truly culled. Mind you, it will be completely obliterated by the time the new inter-county season rolls around.

However, even with this term's staggered comeback, one truism was regrettably confirmed. Namely, that I may as well be endeavouring to locate white blackbirds as watch hurling or camogie in the flesh.

As usual, for the sake of qualification, if the discipline was ground hurling/camogie only there wouldn't be the slightest issue. But once the sliotar goes skyward, my only hope of staying up to speed with what's going on is to watch the actions and reactions of the umpires.

Given the manner in which the GAA usually belatedly consent to the need for change, maybe green and red lights atop the goalposts isn't too much to hope for in my lifetime.

Anyway, the one seeing eye being unable to keep pace with the fastest field game in the world, hurling at club level gets the 'technological treatment'. Indeed, so too has some football in recent weeks due to circumstances beyond my control.

Doing it when your own are involved is different gravy though. Witness the turbulence from ecstacy to agony for Dunboyne in the football championships in the last few weeks, compared to, say, the elation ensuing following Shane McCormack's last minute goal in the first round of the SHC against Longwood.

Is there an easy way to convey bad news? You'd think I'd have mastered it at this stage if so. Even using the last few weeks as a starting point!

Under normal circumstances, little or no motivation would be required facing into a local derby. Especially with one team's senior status on the line.

However, for our neighbours in Blackhall Gaels - and indeed GAA folk near and far - have been consumed with shock and sadness following news of former Meath hurler and referee Fergus Smyth's diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease.

Prior to throw in at Dunshaughlin on Saturday evening last, the two sides were at opposite ends of their division table. With Dunboyne's backsides dangling over the bacon slicer.

However, those who last lifted the Jubilee Cup in 1914 were quickest out of the starting stalls and led by 0-12 to 0-8 at the change of ends.

That buffer was supplemented out to 0-15 to 0-10 close to halfway through the second half but then the blue and gold netted twice in a matter of minutes to edge into a one point lead (2-10 to 0-15).

It was at that point one clip in particular from Pat Comer's excellent A Year 'Til Sunday documentary, which charted the journey of the Galway footballers in 1998, sprung to mind.

Half time in the Connacht side's dressing room on All Ireland Final day, John O'Mahony: "There's going to come a time, about halfway through the second half, when it'll be there for both of ye (teams). That's when you decide do ye want it? Do ye really, really f***ing want it?"

Whilst not for a moment doubting the conviction or fortitude of the Batterstown/Kilcloon combination, to Dunboyne's credit, they maintained their composure - even following the concession of a third 'major' - to kick on and get the victory which was essential to maintaining their senior status.

Would it be enough though? Initially euphoria was quelled when word came through that Dunderry had won by seven points. Which left Dunboyne on the wrong side of the score difference calculations.

Until a combination of social media and WhatsApp were once again set abuzz when even later developments elsewhere gave Dunboyne the relief and sent despair Longwood's way.

Next week, the roller coaster spins again.