For sheep farmer Mike Coffey tonight is his All-Ireland.
Every year since he was a child growing up in Kilgobnet in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks in Co Kerry, the 80-year-old has taken part in the local Biddy and tonight he leads it once again as its captain.
The origins of the annual Biddy – its members dressed in white and sporting flamboyant hats made out of oaten straw – is unknown, but is believed to be linked to centuries old customs celebrating the goddess/St Brigid, and the arrival of spring (Imbolc).
In recent years, Kilgobnet is one of the very few places left to have its own Biddy. Mr Coffey remembers when there were up to 15 Biddies active…