Irish Examiner, December 5, 2003

“The praying has been done, now it’s time for the playing.” Those were the words of a parish priest in a small Co Cork village which is set to become devoid of human life tomorrow, as the majority of its inhabitants jet out to London in the hope of seeing even further history being created.

The 800 strong population of Newtownshandrum is on a high. The club’s colours of green and gold hang from every shop, telegraph pole and overhead wire in anticipation of claiming a coveted place in the All Ireland club hurling semi-finals.

All that’s between them is a team in London they know very little about.

Nothing has been left to chance. The very impressive Newtownshandrum GAA club website features tube line details and a map of how to get to Ruislip where the senior hurling side will take on Fr Murphy’s for a place in the All Ireland semi-final next February against Kilkenny and Leinster champions, O’Loughlin Gaels.

“Unfortunately I won’t be travelling,” parish priest Fr Brendan Wrixon said. “I have to say weekend masses although I expect a very small congregation.”

Despite the hype he believes that the scale of what the hurlers have already achieved hasn’t really sunk in yet amongst the local population.

“I asked for the intervention of The Almighty some time ago and it seems to be working. I hope it will last,” Fr Wrixon said.

“They (the team) are the finest bunch of people you could meet in your life. They’ve been together since they were 14. They’re so committed. They’re truly role models.”

GAA club spokesman Michael Morrissey said the phones had been hopping between villagers and relatives in London looking for overnight accommodation.

“The team will have to get up at 4:30am on Saturday in order to catch a flight from Cork to London. They will return home before lunchtime on Sunday,” Mr Morrissey said.

He said he was hopeful of victory but added cautiously that coming so soon after the Munster final, facing a long day travelling and against unknown opposition it would make Newtownshandrum’s task more difficult.

“We expect about 350 supporters to travel to the match. I believe there may be up to 600 more supporters based in London who will also lend their support on the day,” said Mr Morrissey