Tradition.
It is what has set Notre Dame apart from other programs in college football.
While the Irish have several traditions, nothing will ever top the contribution from Indiana State Police’s Tim McCarthy.
The First
In 1960, McCarthy was assigned to deliver a safety message. He delivered them “as a state trooper should.” He realized that his formal method of delivery simply did not catch the attention of the crowd.
So, in 1961, McCarthy changed his approach and received a window of opportunity when the stadium was quiet to broadcast his pun while the referees has discussed a controversial call.
From then on, McCarthy’s puns lived on for the Irish.
Sgt. Tim McCarthy’s final safety announcement at Notre Dame Stadium. pic.twitter.com/P0RXePLDcJ
— Calvn (@cwcyclops) September 26, 2015
“THE AUTOMOBILE REPLACED THE HORSE, BUT THE DRIVER, SHOULD STAY ON THE WAGON”
The Last
McCarthy had tried to retire back in the 70’s but then Notre Dame athletic direction requested he stay on for just a little while longer. Which turned out to be another 36 years.
The final quip was delivered by McCarthy on November of 2014.
Since then he has made a few appearances – each time getting arouse from the crowd.
May I Have Your Attention Please
Even over the past twenty-some-odd years, Notre Dame has undergone several updates from stadium renovations to a state of the art practice facility but the more things have changed, the more they stay the same for Notre Dame. Yet, at the end of the 1812 Overture between the third and fourth quarters, McCarthy found his place in the heart of Irish nation. He will always be a part of the Notre Dame fan experience.
Traditions like these are what keeps the fandom being passed down for generations, and with kickoff less than 195 days away, it’s always a good reminder to remember why you root for Notre Dame.
