DAD DIARY: A Super Sunday to remember in MacHale Park

From a long way out, I had pencilled Mayo’s home game against Donegal as a game to bring the kids to.

With it being the last game of the league and hopefully milder weather, it seemed an ideal outing. The plan was all five of us would go but Séimí was struck down with sickness so myself, Frankie and Éamon hit for Castlebar.

We left in good time and I had provisions with me – rolls and crackers.

We took our seats at the back of the stand and the kids had a great time exploring the stand before throw-in and getting the rolls eaten.

Midway through the first half, Frankie needed to go to the toilet. She’s eight and I reckoned I could direct her there without leaving my seat but the more I explained the directions, the more I thought it likely she would get lost. Thankfully a nice girl in the seats in front was going and agreed to bring her. I gave Frankie money for the shop and she came back delighted with herself with two Kinder Buenos for herself and Éamon. Nothing for me because I told her I am off chocolate for lent. What did the kids give up? Frankie is off Tictacs and Éamon gave up pancakes. Massive sacrifices!

Éamon thought he was missing out so another trip to the shop just after half-time – with Frankie now knowing the way – ensued with the two of them heading off. They were gone more than five minutes and I was starting to wonder was this a good idea. It occurred to me it was the longest time they were ever unsupervised!

They arrived back shortly after full of smiles and sweets.

We got a good game with plenty of late drama. It was the first time at a game where both of the kids were really into it, cheering Mayo on and getting nervous as Donegal came back into the game.

Frankie found it very funny listening to some men nearby hurling abuse at the referee. Éamon wasn’t keen on the volume of their shouts.

The final whistle brought delighted shouts from them and while I recorded for The Mayo Football Podcast, they brought a football out on the pitch and Frankie even decided to help up some young Castlebar Mitchels players with the clean-up of the stand.

Éamon decided that wasn’t part of what he had signed up to and stayed playing football on his own. They’re catching the bug and this time it is one bug I am happy to arrive at our door.

I want to finish this week’s column with a thank you to my wonderful former colleague Ciara Moynihan. Ciara, as Editor of this Living section, first conceived the idea for this Dad Diary in 2016 before Frankie was born. She has encouraged me throughout, provided great guidance, caught an inestimable amount of errors, dealt with my column being regularly late without once ever losing her cool and dug out some great cartoons to accompany my musings. Ciara felt like an extended member of the family, so interested in Frankie, Éamon and Séimí’s progress.

Ciara has left The Mayo News after a great period of service and all of our family wish her well for the future.