Joe Carroll: Funny how the GAA has survived the brilliance of Brazil’s 1970 squad

This story was told here before. Maybe it’s worth repeating.

The 1970 World Cup in Mexico was the most enthralling ever. England were defending their title and among the great games leading on to the final was the holder’s joust with Brazil at the group stage.

It produced just one goal but many memorable moments, not least among them, Gordon Banks’ save from Pele. England eventually bowed out of the tournament to West Germany, who were in turn beaten 4-3 by Italy in a semi-final classic.

The final was another for the memory bank, not because of its competitiveness, but for the brilliance of Brazil. Pele scored and was exceptional, but – the greatest ever? – was only one of eleven who starred in a 4-1 win.

Jairzinho maintained his record of scoring in every round, and Gerson didn’t give much away in the middle of the park. Carlos Alberto had a great name and was a great footballer.

Many drooled over the champions, in particular their performance in the final. Infatuated, they were.

Words were wild and swirling. Some among Democrat office denizens, I’d have to say, were going more than just a little overboard. Especially the chap who said: “That’s the end of Gaelic. It will never recover after that.”

Meaning, I suppose, that every footballer in this country would be playing soccer from now on, those who had played hurling and its sister game changing allegiance. Really?

Yes, while the soccer was in progress, coming up with many exceptional games and thrilling the millions looking in on the telly, crowds for GAA championship matches were down.

But after Mexico’s pitches had fallen silent, the All-Ireland football final later in the year (Kerry, the winners, against Meath), attracted over 71,000, an indication maybe, that rude health might just have been recovered.

Attendances since haven’t been too bad either, competition is as keen as ever, and probably never before has there been so many playing games, ladies and thousands overseas contributing handsomely to the increased numbers.

It could be that in the case of my colleague, intoxication had probably taken over from normal Monday morning sobriety. (Normal Monday morning sobriety? A rarity in 3 Earl Street.)

This year’s World Cup finals – the last game takes place a week before Christmas Day – will only be over when attention will turn towards the GAA season, preliminary competition games going ahead in January to be followed soon after by the leagues.

Louth footballers face a searching test in the points competition, taking their place in Division Two after successive promotions. There are some big hitters to be faced by Mickey Harte’s charges, recent-year multiple All-Ireland champions, Dublin, chief among them.

For the first time in a while, Louth will have four of their seven games at home. But the meeting with the Dubs, in the final round, is going ahead at Croke Park.

By then we should have an idea if the glass ceiling has been broken, giving the Reds entry to the top echelon and a game against Kerry with, hopefully, the GAA’s answer to Pele playing for them.

That’s the chap who can kick – and score – with both feet, make the ‘mark’ look as if it was drawn up for him alone, and sign autographs and stand for selfies for as a long as the children –  and some of their mothers – want him to.