The All-Ireland Finals are edging ever closer, and with them the sweet scent of GAA glory. With some of the biggest days out in the Gaelic Games calendar still on the way, you can be sure that some novices will be swept along in the enthusiasm and wind up sitting in a Croker seat for one of the finest displays of all. Should that be someone you know, or even you, there are some very important things to bear in mind for a game day. So, if you’re a Gaelic-playing whizz who’s dragging along a camogie-clueless pal, or you’re a soccer-savant without a notion about the dark arts of hurling, read on and share the insiders guide. Here are the 10 things everyone should know before a GAA game. _________________________________ Getting a head start on the day is vital This is sacrosanct in GAA circles. More so for those coming from outside Dublin, but the alarm in the wee hours is a thing of beauty when it means a trip to the real Stadium of Dreams beckons. It also means forcing a full Irish into yourself at 6am and having your dinner at 12. Ideally, you’ll also pack some sandwiches and a flask of tea for the journey.   All the words to the national anthem… including the secret last line You shouldn’t need to be at a GAA match to be reminded of this, but woe betide you if a camera closes in on you while Amhrán na bhFiann is playing and you’re clearly mumbling the words to the Home and Away theme tune. Mammy will never live down the shame. It’s absolutely ok to shout HON TIPP/KILKENNY/DUBLIN instead of the last line though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-H84iv3BtU What to wear A jersey. This is not a fashion show. Those county colours were designed to soak up blood, sweat and tears… wear them with pride.   All the words to your county song If you’re from Wexford you’ve been singing Dancing at the Crossroads since 1996. The Banner Roar has been going strong in Clare since ’95. You should know that Limerick is a lady and that Jimmy was winning matches before you ever set foot in the HQ. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAjQrnImT_k Passion is a four-letter word When GAA fans feel hard done by, by God will you know about it. Leave your sensitive tendencies at home and roar along. Croker is not the place for a wallflower to be.   It’s not about the money, money, money… For the uninitiated, it can be hard to believe that these men and women don’t get pay for play. They have full-time jobs, families and lives off the pitch, but they pour a level of commitment and love into their jersey and their sport that many professionals will never see. For the love of the game. We are family If a stranger beside you is wearing the same colours, you might as well be bound by blood. Whether it’s in the queue for the turnstiles or the queue for Coppers, you are now one and the conversations can turn from pleasantries to D&Ms within seconds. Roll with it.   Know thine enemy The rivalries in GAA run deep and supporters have a very long memory. It’s helpful to know in advance when your opponents last saw a star player sent off, or worse – got away with a blatant sending off. A sharp takedown of a neighbouring loudmouth will win the approval of those around you and provide joy to your new GAA family. For heaven’s sake though, keep the jousting to the verbal variety only – we don’t get physical off the pitch. Leave that to the legal tackles. It’s not over ‘til it’s over Even if you’re ten points down with ten seconds to go – don’t dare be tempted to leave. Whatever about ‘beating the rush’ or getting a headstart on the traffic, the men or women on the pitch in front of you give it everything they’ve got. So you’ve got another minute. Stay, stand, and clap until your hands hurt.   How to time your return so you can see The Sunday Game It’s an institution and it’s part of the Croker day, whether you win or lose. So if you’re staying in the capital and partying or halfway back to the bowels of Kerry, put pause on the party to tune in and see it all again in its heartbreaking/euphoria-inducing glory…   Bonus Point: One day is enough to start a lifelong love One magic day on the grand stage may be the only thing you need to fall in love forever… and it’s never too late to get started. Whether you’re pitch perfect and just didn’t know it or you couldn’t carry a ball in a bucket, there are a million ways to help and you’ll always find a warm welcome at your local club. Welcome to the tribe. Nothing beats being there.   For more information, please visit www.gaa.ie or to purchase tickets to this Sunday’s GAA Football All-Ireland Championship Semi-Final which will see Mayo and Kerry battle it out for their place in the final, click here.  Keep up to speed with the latest GAA news by following the GAA on @officialgaa and www.facebook.com/officialgaa