Cannae sleep - Scottish Cup nerves (in my defence, its taken Saints 130 years to get to the final, so not knowing how to handle pre-match nerves is excusable!). Just hoping for a win tomorrow to dedicate to my Dad. Hes in his late 80s now and walking any distance is a huge struggle. He also struggles to hear properly and can get confused in unfamiliar situations. Hes had a season ticket for 60 years - and still just about manages to attend most home games thanks to the kindness of fellow Saintees neighbours and friends who drive him there. I tried everything to persuade him to go to the final but the practicalities of parking close enough to get him in and his likely confusion and possible panic with such a big crowd means that he will be watching everything on the box from the comfort of his armchair (probably with a glass or two of whisky in hand to toast some Stevie May screamers!). Im sad he cant be there but he seems philosophical about it and is delighted Beth will be with me and will shout for the boys on his behalf. Hes followed Saints year after year no matter how good or bad weve been. Hes had his heroes - Paddy Buckley, Henry Hall, Johnny Brogan - but he never abandoned Saints when things were less rosy and we were in the old second division. He was my inspiration to follow Saints - taking me to games as a youngster as soon as I showed some interest in 1974 (& a wee 1-0 success against Aberdeen was enough to hook me in). Jim ORourke, Bobby Thompson and Mickey Lawson were heroes for both of us. What I would give for a Saints win tomorrow - I desperately want my Dad to see it - even if he wont be there in person. His loyalty and passion for Saints over the years deserves its reward now. Irrespective of the result, I will always be proud to be a Saintee - and my Dad has taught me not to be bitter when we lose but to treat defeat and victory with equal respect. We cant win every week after all. Thats a challenge on many occasions, but Im trying to pass the same ethos on to Beth. Its a cliche - but it is indeed the taking part that counts (though tomorrow I do want to win!) Beth and me are excited about tomorrow - win or lose were going to have a fabulous day. And for that, I will always be grateful to my Dad. COYS
Posted on: Sat, 17 May 2014 00:27:30 +0000
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