"The time has come to part my love..."
 Ronan Harper - 2004 Easts Celts Seniors Captain |
Yip, with the lyrics of a martyr and a past South Tyrone MP, "The time has come to part my love, I must go away...". This will be my last message as Seniors captain (I still am, aren't I?!) and treasurer of the club that has stolen a piece of my heart and life. Its ok! I gladly let her keep it.
Its been almost 4 years since I remember Seamus picking me up to take me to training (as he did many a day). Little did I know at that stage what lay ahead for me and the Club. Little did I know that almost 4 years later I would still be here, playing and working with the best bunch of people you could ask for, both on and off the field, and little did I know that in 2004 I would feel the best I ever have, and accomplished the most I ever have with this club, working as a team playing Gaelic football.
It was a strange experience at the start. I found it strange when I gave a crappy ball (mind you, I didn't give many!!!!! Ha!) and someone literally runs over and pats you on the back and says "Onya mate, keep going, don't worry about it, you'll get it next time..." You don't usually get a lot of that where I'm from. That's one of the main reasons I think what makes this club special. The support, friendship, loyalty, determination and pride felt by each club member has driven the club to where it is today. I feel proud to be part of it.
But, here I am now writing this, saying goodbye to good friends. I will miss Australia, very much. I'll miss Easts more. I'll find it hard to play for a club of equal value in Ireland I think. I'll also find it hard not to squeal with pain as the O'Neill's is driven against my leg in the freezing rain!!!
Ye know, I am finding it hard to write this. I'm finding it hard to describe and put into words what I want to say. I guess I need to say goodbye. Most of all I want to say "thank you". Easts has given me a great deal over the years. I would like to think I will always be a part of the club on some level, even though I'll be 15,000 miles away. I just hope I've done enough to give back at least what I have received.
"The world is round, and the place that may seem like the end, may also be the beginning..."
Slan agus go raibh mile maith agat.
Rónán
Its been almost 4 years since I remember Seamus picking me up to take me to training (as he did many a day). Little did I know at that stage what lay ahead for me and the Club. Little did I know that almost 4 years later I would still be here, playing and working with the best bunch of people you could ask for, both on and off the field, and little did I know that in 2004 I would feel the best I ever have, and accomplished the most I ever have with this club, working as a team playing Gaelic football.
It was a strange experience at the start. I found it strange when I gave a crappy ball (mind you, I didn't give many!!!!! Ha!) and someone literally runs over and pats you on the back and says "Onya mate, keep going, don't worry about it, you'll get it next time..." You don't usually get a lot of that where I'm from. That's one of the main reasons I think what makes this club special. The support, friendship, loyalty, determination and pride felt by each club member has driven the club to where it is today. I feel proud to be part of it.
But, here I am now writing this, saying goodbye to good friends. I will miss Australia, very much. I'll miss Easts more. I'll find it hard to play for a club of equal value in Ireland I think. I'll also find it hard not to squeal with pain as the O'Neill's is driven against my leg in the freezing rain!!!
Ye know, I am finding it hard to write this. I'm finding it hard to describe and put into words what I want to say. I guess I need to say goodbye. Most of all I want to say "thank you". Easts has given me a great deal over the years. I would like to think I will always be a part of the club on some level, even though I'll be 15,000 miles away. I just hope I've done enough to give back at least what I have received.
"The world is round, and the place that may seem like the end, may also be the beginning..."
Slan agus go raibh mile maith agat.
Rónán