I'm Ron Dufault. (It only works if you say it in a Ron Burgundy voice)
At the age of 73, the kit man for Worcester GAA club in Massachusetts made his hurling debut. Yesterday, he celebrated his 74th and he's already planning for next year.
In yet another inspiring story of the deep-rooted meaning and reach of the GAA, Ron Dufault is just one more spine-tingling hero who shows that it is never too late to dream.
The Shrewsbury native togged out in the jersey he's usually looking after two weeks ago, struck a sliothar in a game scenario for the first time and hasn't looked back. Dufault is just like any hurler around the world now. Caught. Addicted. In love.
Ron went on to comment on what the experience meant to him:
"To all my friends and players that I have had the pleasure of meeting through this fantastic sport, I want to thank you all for all the support and encouragement along with putting up with me during this season. You don't know how excited and proud you have made me allowing me to play.
"This first match was a blast and I am looking forward to being on the pitch in the future. I have gained even more respect for all the players of this sport and all the preparations that go into making this a true sportmanship game. Again, many, many thanks for making this happen for me. All the best to everyone and will see you on the pitch down the road."
Yesterday, as he celebrated his 74th birthday, Dufault couldn't leave the hurling alone for a second as he took to his Facebook page and wrote.
"To all my well wishers on my birthday I want to thank very, very much. I would also like to thank my son Michael and Dick Edmonds for giving me the encouragement to take part in the fall pub hurling. I want to thank also the members of the UConn Hurling Club as well as the members of the Hartford Hurling Club and especially my friends of the Worcester GAA Hurling Club for giving me the opportunity to play alongside real sportsman in a fantastic sport. I hope to be able to accomplish this again in 2015. Thanks to all of you for making this truly a memorable time."
Welcome to the GAA, Ron. It's the greatest drug on the planet.
