When the votes are cast in the referendum on the future of the Seanad, watch the boxes from Ballinasloe.
Even if the rest of the country opts for abolition, Ballinasloe has good reason to look benignly on the Upper House. The east Galway town owes a special debt of gratitude to the Seanad in the wake of its All-Ireland Junior Club Championship win last Sunday.
Bonfires blazed and there were great celebrations when the footballing heroes returned from Croke Park with the trophy. And the toast of them all was young soldier Gary Canavan, who returned on the morning of the match from his duties in Lebanon.
But with just four days to go to the game, it looked like Gary would have to miss the final. Ballinasloe man Senator Michael Mullins (FG) made a last-ditch appeal on the floor of the Seanad to the Minister for Defence, and Army authorities, asking them to grant their star three days of unpaid leave.
Time-off
He explained Canavan had taken time off when the final was meant to be played, but due to replays the date was deferred. “There is huge hype in the town of Ballinasloe this weekend and it would be a shame if this young fellow could not realise his ambition of being in Croke Park,” said an impassioned Mullins.
His heartfelt plea was heard by Paul Kehoe, Minister of State for Defence. At the last minute, Canavan was allowed to return to Galway.
And Ballinasloe clinched their first championship, beating Kenmare by 14 points to 10. “It was brilliant. Gary played really well . . . a huge boost to the town,” said Mullins this week. “Gary is back to the Lebanon. We’re still on a high.” So it should be a big “Yes” from east Galway on the Seanad referendum.
Unfortunately, it’ll probably be cancelled out by the votes from the vanquished Kenmare.