The Blitz - An Aladdin's Cave for Teenagers
by Tony Leen
If death is life's only certainty, change is hard to avoid either. There may seem nothing extraordinary about Castleisland's 27th Blitz, but it may mark a watershed nonetheless.
The advent of National League Basketball in the town is the marker in the sand. It will be interesting to see the reaction to something the townfolk now enjoy every other week - a festival of basketball.
The Blitz has been the playground for the youngsters now developed into National League players.
But if that is all it has been, it would be long dead by now - and not heading for its third decade.
Prehaps Donal O'Connor and organisers foresaw basketball fatique many moons ago - and took steps to ensure that the event had more than pore sport to its bow.
The fierce weather militated against record crowds last year. But it will be interesting to gauge crowd numbers this Christmas.
The Blitz is still an Aladin's Cave for teenagers and below. But I'd be surprised if St. Mary's aren't already examining the future direction of Ireland's longest lasting basketball tournament.
Five years ago, the organisers woed some of the nation's best team, opening the special appeal of the Blitz to the outside world.
Theretofore, few beyond Kanturk knew of it's wonderful exsistence. There were grumblings (aren't there always) from a few who suggested that the tournament was in danger of losing its local identity.
Of course, it was nothing more than a bid to bring the game's best exponents to Castleisland.
And it was especially appealing to those that matter most - the youngsters.
It may be one of the few sporting events around where the children dictate where their parents go.
But Society, television and other distractions are throwing up fresh obstacles every year to the tried and trusted formula of the Christmas tournament in Castleisland.
It is natural too, for apathy to play a part - especially for Blitz veterans who have reached the ripe old age of 18.
The natural edge that comes with a threats from beyond the city walls has always bought out the best in the townsfolk.And by bringing the youngsters from other towns and counties - under 13's from Blue Demons in Cork, by way of example - it would generate added spice, as well as broadening the tournament's horizons (not to mention bring in parents, coaches and fans from other areas).
I have often wondered of the locals at the Blitz; would they prefer to see a premier men's game between teams from Dublin and Cork, or a senior ladies tussle between St. Mary's and a team from Tralee or Killarney?
I might suggest the latter - more so than ever now, with national league sides visiting every other week.
But chiefly, because of savage local pride. And pride is never so raw or brazen than when on display to the outside world.
Such a scenario leaves the organisers with a stark choice. Do they pitch the blitz at those who will come in from around the country and threaten the lion in his own den (thereby encouraging huge crowds), or do they concede that such rivalry and competition is unhealthy for youngsters who should be competing for fun at Christmas?
One could say the answer is staring them in the face - just look at the deteremination of the youngsters and the frantic expressions of their parents every year.
And that is only when they are playing their cousins or next door neighbours.
Let the five days of madness and mayhem commence.
Tony Leen wrote this article for the 1996 Christmas Blitz Program