Donal - Be It On Your Head
Michael O'Donoghue
When I was initially appointed by Donal O'Connor to write a few words for the anniversary programme, I felt honoured to have been asked to do so and agreed. But when I tried to put pen to paper, I suddenly realised that I know very little about basketball and immediately made Donal aware of my dilemma. He, however, refuted to take no for an answer, so on your head be it Donal.
My first memories of basketball date back to the Pathe newsreels in the Astor cinema - on rare occasions that I was allowed or could afford to go there. I was spellbound by the antics of the famous Harlem Globetrotters and regretted that I didn't have the opportunity to emulate their magic. Basketball was unknown in Castleisland at that time.
My personal introduction to the game took place in Bryant's Stadium - Tom Donlan (RIP), Billy Walsh, Tomo Burke and I were all on the same team. The cult figure in the game then was Will "The Stilts" Chamerlain and the boys, modelling themselves on Will, were trying to score three-pointers from every conceivable angle, while I was left to guard the net. I quickly became disillusioned with the game. It wasn't until some time later that I realised that the boys really knew their stuff. It takes a good man to successfully guard the net. Ask Charlie!
Then came the Blitz. I am sure that the history of the Blitz will be extensively covered elsewhere, so I shall confine myself to a few observations. In a word, the Blitz was mighty. The pleasure it has given down the years to parents, players and spectators is incalculable and no words of mine could adequately thank those concerned in its organisation.
I particulary enjoyed the heiculear efforts of the young boys and girls. Their games contained the whole spectrum of the emotions, ranging from the agony and the tears of defeat to the smiles and ecstasy of victory - always generously appreciated by the spectators. Children love an audience - even the children who have been shaving for years!, The Blitz provides the perfect audience.
Another feature of the Blitz that gave me great pleasure was the discipline- the strict adherence to time and the largely unquestionable acceptance of the referee's decisions. Other sports please copy.
Talking of discipline reminds me of the true story told to me on the occasion of the untimely death of Timmy O'Sullivan - go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam, -A certain young gentleman had been conscripted into playing a schoolboys' football match. The occasion was honoured by the presence of Timmy, then an established Kerry team player, as referee. The young fellow in question - as so often happens - was at the receiving end of some very harsh treatment from the opposition and , even more so, from the referee. Finally, his patience was exhausted and he let the referee know, in no uncertain terms what he thought of him and concluded by telling the ref that he could put him off now if he liked. "Indeed I won't garsún" said Timmy, "but if you open your mouth again, I'll give you a good kick in the arse". End of problem.
Coaches play an intergal part in the game of basketball. A few savour the sweet taste of victory, but the best efforts of many go unsung. They, like the shoolboy, they have the referee to contend with. In this regard I can remember particularly an English coach who has been treated abysmally by refs over the past few years and yet like Oliver he comes back for more. I hope he's here again this year and for many years to come. Sport needs genuine characters.
Finally, a happy 25th to the Blitz and its organisers. Long may the party last. But please, Donal, don't ask me to write something for the 50th.
Michael O'Donoghue
Michael O'Donoghue wrote this article for the 1994 Christmas Blitz Programme