I’ve never liked being a journalist.
Probably a bit late, what two and a half years into an unconvincing career, but I still don’t fit the bill.
When people ask me what I do, or call me a journalist, I correct them by saying “I’m a writer.” It just sounds nicer.
Snobbier, sure. But nicer.
I’ve never liked the whole media culture. I’ve never liked its perception and, call me a salt-of-the-earth, grounded, and modest kind of a guy but I hate being pampered when I’m going to watch a game.
I read a column one time in one of the national papers scowling about the standard of dining at GAA grounds around the country. I immediately thought, “I want out.”
What did we do to deserve a free spread everywhere we go? What did we do to deserve warmer seats, endless supplies of tea and the best view in the house – and I’m genuinely not trying to rub it in!
When we're already getting paid to do our jobs? As Roy Keane put it, you don't thank the postman for delivering the mail.
You know, when I get asked at the gates if I’m press or not, I feel like I have to straighten out the issue every time.
I’m a footballer first, I say. I’m a fan, second. Then, aye, I do a bit of writing as well.
“Well that’ll be 13 quid then please.”
“Well, actually, hang on, I’m a journalist,” I stutter. “I’ve got my exclusive media pass here somewhere. Aye, charge him, not me. He isn’t press, he’s just a peasant.”
The Armagh media blackout has gotten a lot of journalists’ backs up. Don’t get me wrong, I think they should wise up and just enjoy the season – especially as they have seemed to come full circle from last year. Most of the successful teams I’ve encountered have a slick, media-friendly attitude – Ballinderry, Dublin, even bloody NFL teams – and it doesn’t seem to impinge on them.
But, so what? Get over it.
The media can’t believe Armagh’s complete disrespect towards them but here’s the part of the puzzle they are missing: it's not about you.
A lot of journalists make the mistake of having a sense of entitlement or that they’re the ones doing the players a favour by giving time to them whereas, when we’re talking about elite athletes at the top level, it’s completely the other way about.
And that’s coming from someone still scorned from the snub of Neil McGee after the Donegal game.
Yet again, it’s coming from someone who sticks his own name in capital letters in the headlines of articles...
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