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As part of our UnLaois’d podcast series, we have interviewed a number of people involved with various topical events, whether it be in Laois or outside of the county.
Former Laois IFA chairman Pat Hennessy is one of these people. Pat has been involved in stewarding in Croke Park for over 30 years and without having missed a puck, concert or kick of a ball he will be there again this weekend for the Ladies All-Ireland football finals.
Pat Hennessy has had a bird’s eye view of every major event in Croke Park over the last three decades – from All Ireland finals, to Papal visits, to the historic opening of the venue to rugby and soccer in 2007.
He looked back on his time involved over his 32 years of stewarding.
“Since 1986 I was always afraid that someone would ask me that,” laughed Paddy when presenter Brian Moss asked about his daily duties on match days.
Pat explained that his role is mainly to help guide people who may not be used to Croke Park.
“It can be a daunting place for people, well not for the Dubs who are there early weekend and might come 10 minutes late to the match,” laughed Pat.
“But that’s okay they know where they’re going. But other people might not know where they’re going and it’s nice to have someone to ask and see a face you might know,” he added.
Historic days and goals that weren’t
One of the historic days Pat has cast is steady glaze on was when Ireland hosted England in the rugby in traditional GAA stadium of Croke Park in 2007.
“I had been out with the lads and came at the Nally Stand under where the tri-colour and the Union Jack were flying side by side. I know the previous man that was involved in the Laois stewards Murt O’Donnell was very-anti having any other games other than GAA in Croke Park.
“I looked up at this Union Jack flying over my head and my first thought was, “I hope Murt’s not looking down on me now!” laughed Pat.
“All the tension was there like, ‘Will there be a bomb scare? Will something go off?’ Then the camera turned and I think it was Bertie Aherne giving Mary McAleese a kiss and the whole place erupted,” he remembered fondly.
As well as seeing days that were famous for the right reason, Pat has also been there on occasions that are famous for the wrong reasons.
The Kyle man was in the eye of a storm in 2010 when Louth were denied by a controversial last-minute goal by Meath in a dramatic Leinster final and gave his thoughts on the infamous goal.
“I was actually standing right behind the net at that stage. From what I could see, if I was asked at a tribunal. is that the referee came in but he didn’t consult with his umpires,” said Pat.
Pat Hennessy was joined by Maurice Deegan, who also spoke about his days in Croke Park, and the possibility of refereeing a fourth All-Ireland.
You can listen to the full podcast here.
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