My friend's French-Canadian visitors took in the Munster Hurling Championship – and naturally were totally won over

FROM ice hockey to hurling, the French-Canadian Tipperary supporters' club has been formed.
Last month I got a text from my old pal Michael Anderson inquiring about GAA fixtures on the weekend of May 17/18.
Michael is the Father Larry Duff in my life — minus the accidents and avalanches — he's tremendous fun.
There's a sense of divilment in this Aston Villa supporter that only a mix of Arranmore Island and his Scottish blood could create.
Michael's wife Marie is French-Canadian and her sister Kim was visiting with her boyfriend James earlier this month.
They were flying in from Montreal. Hockey country, not a hurling stronghold.
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They knew Ireland had our own sports, but that was it.
When Mike asked about the fixtures that weekend so he and his guests could take in a game, the small ball was your only man.
Mike and Marie live in Slane but had been residents of Clonliffe Road, right next to Croke Park, for the best part of a decade.
They were HQ regulars but it would be empty on the weekend in question. No big deal, there was plenty of action elsewhere.
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But we all know Munster is the real deal, right? The visitors' car wound its way into Thurles and Mike parked up.
A happy-go-lucky parking steward, with obligatory hi-vis vest, gave them a lift to hurling's temple.
Bucket hats and Bulmers. Horns blaring and 99s melting over retro jerseys.
Liam Cahill versus Peter Queally. Shane Long against John O'Shea. Finches versus Yop. Noel McGrath or Ken McGrath. This was it.
Tom Semple's field was awash with colour as the smells of cider and burgers filled the air.
Mike's visitors were stunned by the age demographic of the crowd, as young and old from both sides poured in, sat together and mingled, all in their county colours.
You wouldn't see this at a Montreal Canadiens game.
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People from all over the world end up being amazed by the skill level of hurlers
Credit: Sportsfile
In true Irish sporting fashion, throw-in was delayed by 10 minutes as 28,758 punters all turned up at once.
The Tipp squad gathered in a huddle in front of where Mike and the gang were perched in the old stand towards the empty Town End terrace.
Amhrán na bhFiann sounded as our own Babs Keating watched his beloved blue and gold team.
The crowd roared, the temperatures soared and Stephen Bennett rattled the net within 11 seconds.
The Déise supporters went bananas, the Tipp fans fell silent. Following the play was a challenge for the curious Canucks, but they got there.
No matter who scored, the place erupted. By half-time, the hosts were leading by three and it was into the belly of the stand to escape the heat and down a cool beer.
TIPP THE BALANCE
Hurling's new foursome were fully on board as the Premier powered ahead to chants of 'Tipp, Tipp, Tipp'.
Oisín O'Donoghue's goal sealed safe passage to the All-Ireland series, with Bennett's 1-11 haul not enough for the neighbours.
Mike's gang thought the pitch invasion was hilarious, as fans young and old streamed on to the field for selfies, autographs and a chat with the players.
James was hooked and ordered a Tipp jersey online as soon as he got back to the car and they pointed for Slane.
You can have all the leprechauns, Guinness or cliffs you want — this is the ultimate Irish experience. The colour, the sights, the smells, the scores, the roars.
It's a reminder of how unique our games are — and the French-Canadian Tipperary supporters' club are fully on board.

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