Peadar McGahan, a dedicated steward from County Armagh, achieved a remarkable milestone on Sunday by completing a journey that took him to all 32 counties in Ireland. At the age of 78, McGahan donned his stewarding bib at Walsh Park, where Waterford hosted Tipperary in the National Hurling League, marking the culmination of a volunteer experience that began in 2000.
His path to this achievement was not without challenges. Just 18 months earlier, McGahan found himself in a hospital bed, recovering from a heart bypass operation. During that time, he struggled to engage with the All-Ireland final, a match he would have typically attended at Croke Park. Instead, he lay in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, feeling detached from the sport he loves dearly.
“It was a serious time,” McGahan recalls. “I was trying to watch the match on an iPad but I couldn’t really see it or follow it. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t interested in it. Whenever you’re in the Royal, it’s not good, and I’m glad I’m out of it.”
Despite the grave situation he faced, McGahan’s resilience shone through. His stewarding journey began at the Athletic Grounds after his brother, Hugh, encouraged him to volunteer. Over the years, he ventured into Croke Park and covered matches across all Ulster counties. His nephew, Jason McGahan, now part of the backroom team for the All-Ireland champions Kerry, facilitated opportunities for him to steward matches in locations such as Killarney and Limerick.
McGahan’s ambition grew as he realized he could steward in every county. After covering 24 counties, he decided to complete the full set. He reached the 30-mark in Newbridge and sought to finalize his journey at Walsh Park this past weekend.
“I’ve had no issues anywhere,” he states. “There have been great people along the way. I’ve met a lot of people, and whether they’re the county chairman or whoever they are, there’s no airs or graces, and they all have that love for the GAA.”
His deep-rooted connections to the GAA are evident. McGahan’s grandfather helped establish the Tullysaran O’Connell’s club in 1889, and his family continues to be actively involved in Gaelic football and camogie.
As McGahan reflects on his experiences, he fondly remembers fellow stewards and friends who have supported him throughout his journey. This includes the husband-and-wife duo John and Rosaleen Collins, who continue to steward at Croke Park despite John turning 90 last December. He acknowledges the loss of many friends along the way but emphasizes the sense of community among GAA stewards.
“Stewards are the heart of the GAA,” he notes. “On this journey around the country, I have met wonderful people. They’re all on the same mission, they’re all volunteers, and to me, that is the big thing.”
GAA stewards come from various backgrounds, showcasing the diversity within the organization. McGahan has witnessed everything from a GAA-loving nun to inter-county referees among the ranks of stewards. They endure long hours, often in challenging weather, ensuring safety for supporters during matches.
“People ask me why I do it, and I tell them I do it because I’m not fit to do anything else! I do it for the weekend, and then for the rest of the week, I’m goosed,” he admits. “But if I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t do it—same as the players; if they don’t enjoy it, they don’t play.”
Looking ahead, McGahan expresses a desire to continue his journey beyond Ireland. He plans to steward at the Connacht Championship game between New York and Roscommon on April 12, 2024, with further aspirations to explore stewarding opportunities in Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco.
“No matter where I have gone or who you ring to let them know what I’m doing, there isn’t a problem. They’re glad to see you come to help out,” he says. “I’ll go over to New York and then see what happens. It would never end!”
Peadar McGahan’s journey serves as a testament to the spirit of volunteerism and the unwavering passion that characterizes the GAA community.
