Only one tribe matters for this Galway child
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WHEN Kieran Donaghy told Galway schoolboy Rory Cunningham to never give up his love of Kerry football, never would his family have imagined the influence those words of advice would have!
Ever since, the young footballer — with absolutely no ties to the Kingdom — has been an avid Kerry football fan, much to the shock and horror of his dad, Tommy, and his entire family.
Rory's loyalty to the Kingdom has hit the headlines over the past week, resulting in an unimaginable invite to appear on RTE'S 'Up for the Match' on the eve of Sunday's All-Ireland final.
Despite his Galway blood, 11 year-old Rory possesses three Kerry jerseys (one of which he even wears to school); is left heartbroken whenever Kerry lose, and most shockingly, insists on roaring for the Kingdom even when they play against the maroon and white of Galway. He has one Galway jersey, his dad Tommy explained, but that was bought for him and seldom comes out of the drawer.
Despite a sombre heart to heart from his dad, who once tried to instil the virtues of supporting his home team, Rory, it seems, is not for turning when it comes to 'his' beloved Kerry.
Despite being taken by his dad to meet some of Galway's top footballers, including Caltra neighbour Michael Meehan, Rory's allegiance to Kerry is unwaning.
"When I sat him down I was actually hopeful it was sinking in because when I was talking he was listening and not interrupting, but when I was finished, he just looked at me and told me he was still going to shout for Kerry," Tommy said.
Rory says that it's Kerry's team of great players that has won his affection.
"They're just a really good team and have all my favourite players," Rory told The Kerryman. "When I met Kieran Donaghy I told him I was a huge Kerry fan and he told me to never give up football or supporting Kerry."
Rory says that along with his favourite player, Declan O'Sullivan, he has met the entire team — during a cunningly devised 'holiday' in Killarney.
"I picked Killarney because I wanted to go to Kerry so we went along to see if they were training and they were so I got to meet them all," he said.
So how does this inexplicable admiration for Kerry go down with his friends and family?
"At first they thought I was daft but not anymore," he said. "Now I even have my nan and granddad shouting for Kerry — well, when they're not playing Galway."
Although Rory will make his tv debut on 'Up for the Match' on Saturday night, there is one thing missing from his preparations for the weekemd — two match tickets so he and his dad can see his beloved Kerry in action!
As for the result, the Galway youngster is confident of a Kerry victory.
- MARISA REIDY
