In the spans of Aimé-Giral, Dessie is known. He shakes hands, kisses, because in Perpignan, he made many friends thanks to the USAP. But how could this London postman become USAP fan when he has never lived in Catalan country?
“In 2010, I was on vacation in Collioure and I found myself watching a USAP match at Café Sola. I shouldn’t tell you this, but there were some rather old women who were absolutely crazy: they were screaming, they were swearing at the referee. I loved. I had never seen such passion for rugby. I said to myself, this is my team! This is the team I want to be on.”
It must be said that Dessie does not have the British temperament when it comes to rugby: “In England, rugby is too elitist. What I like in France, and even more at USAP, is that it’s popular, it creates a community and a passion.” With the USAP, he was served, and this passion has not diminished in twelve years, it has even increased.
His joy at being at a USAP match is contagious
On his Facebook page, the london postman, originally from Galway in Ireland, regularly posts photos of himself in Aimé-Giral where he goes five or six times a year. He multiplies the support for the team, he even staged himself in a London church praying for the Usapist victory before the trip to Castres.
His smile is permanent, his joy at being at a USAP match is contagious. Recently, at France Bleu Roussillon, we were treated to his unexpected visit during a show on Monday evening where he wanted to greet Mathieu Acébès and Sacha Lotrian. The two USAP players were touched by his story and flattered by the love he could have for Catalan players. It must be said that that day, Dessie has multiplied declarations of love to Captain Sang et Or.
“This match can be in Bayonne, Mont-de-Marsan or on the moon, I wanted to be there!”
This Sunday, June 12, Dessie will make the trip to Mont-de-Marsan: “I was desperate not to be at the game against Bordeaux. So desperate that I anticipated by telling myself that the USAP would play the access match in Bayonne so I booked a flight to Biarritz. Finally, it was Mont-de-Marsan, so I booked another flight to Bordeaux. Anyway, I don’t care, this match can be in Bayonne, Mont-de-Marsan or on the moon, I wanted to be there!“.
Dessie, 55, will build other memories, his “ousap, ousap” will mix with the cries of the other 3,000 Catalan fans in Boniface. Dessie is determined: “We are having an absolutely brilliant season, the players can be proud of them. If we win on Sunday, we will gain stability and we will be even stronger in the Top 14“.
– CM