'I've promised not to leave him in Dublin if we lose': Cork and Tipp priests bring friendly rivalry to Croke Park
That was the message from best friends Fr Patrick Fogarty and Fr Martin Barry who, despite supporting opposite teams, insist that this weekend will only bring them closer.
Both based in the parish of Glanmire, Fr Fogarty is praying for a win for his home county of Tipperary. Meanwhile, Fr Barry is hoping that divine inspiration will help Cork over the line.
Either way, this Sunday's Croke Park decider will serve as an opportunity for them to exemplify the true meaning of Christianity and - above all - friendship.
The pair are looking forward to travelling to the match together this weekend.
Fr Barry, who is 88, said that if Tipp secures the win he will give his best friend a hug. Fr Fogarty will do the same if Cork are victorious.
Both have strong ties to their respective teams. Fr Fogarty is the brother of Cork hurler Paddy Barry who played as a left corner-forward for the Cork senior team up until 1964.
This Sunday's Croke Park decider will serve as an opportunity for Fr Patrick Fogarty and Fr Martin Barry to exemplify the true meaning of Christianity and - above all - friendship. Picture: David Creedon
'I wouldn't want to change the fact that Pat and I support different teams, Fr Martin told the Irish Examiner. 'We will always be great friends.'
Fr Patrick Fogarty is just as dedicated to his beloved Tipp. However, win, lose or draw there are some things that never change.
'If I lose I'll still be happy for Fr Pat,' Fr Barry said. 'If Cork wins he'll be happy for me. We are praying for a win of course. I'm praying for Cork and he's praying for Tipperary. But when we go to the match it will be together, with him wearing the Tipperary colours and me wearing the Cork colours.'
Fr Barry paid tribute to his pal.
'He is a very special man who is good with families, young and old. He is as committed to his work as he is to his county.'
Cork lost out by a point, 3-29 to 1-34, to Clare in last year's final. Tipp, on the other hand took home the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2019.
'I wouldn't even try to convert Fr Pat. We are still friends no matter what. You play hard but at the end of the day you shake hands with your opponent.
"It's the same with Pat Fogarty and myself.
People are amused when they see us walking together in the different colours and without embarrassment. Our friendship transcends all boundaries.
"This is a theme we are seeing with other people too. There have been so many lovely photographs in the media of families sporting both Tipperary and Cork colours. This has been really nice to see.'
Fr Fogarty echoed his sentiment. 'We have a wonderful friendship,' he told the Irish Examiner.
'Martin is such an inspiring man. Cork and Tipperary have a good rivalry but there is also a great bond between the fans. I was gifted a jersey with half the Tipp colours and the other half Cork.
Fr Patrick Fogarty and Fr Martin Barry are looking forward to travelling to the match together this weekend. Picture: David Creedon
"I also know Pat Ryan and we all have huge respect for him. Martin and I are happy to be travelling to the match together because it reiterates the Christian message. God loves everybody, no matter what team they support.'
He anticipates some tension, however, during the car trip home.
'There might be a bit of silence in the car on the way home but it won't last too long. I've promised not to leave him in Dublin if Tipp lose.'
He said the experience may be bitter sweet.
'Of course, I'll be disappointed if it doesn't happen for us. There will be a lot of mixed emotions and I'm sure it will be the same for Martin.'
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