GAA history book aimed at children is launched at Eigse
PUPILS from the Courtenay School and Gaelscoil O Doghair crowded excitedly into Newcastle West library on Friday morning for the launch of a new sporting history book directed especially at their age group.
Written by prolific author Vincent McDonnell, the book, The Story of the GAA, co-incides with the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the GAA, but also tells of the origins of Gaelic games, especially that of the most ancient – hurling.
Gabriel Fitzmaurice, who has given a career to education and literature in his native Moyvane, launched the book and declared that Mr McDonnell had "captured the spirit of the GAA".
He said that the book "reads almost like an encyclopaedia, because you can pick it up and dip into it and return to it again and again".
Mr Fitzmaurice gave it as his belief that the greatest ever hurlers were Limerick's Mick Mackey and Cork's Christy Ring – "maybe until the arrival of DJ Carey".
Mr McDonnell said that the book contained many interesting facts, such as that, in the 1930s Limerick won five national league hurling titles in a row, something never achieved before or since, and having played 35 games undefeated in achieving that tally.
He appreciated, he said, the presence at the book launch of John Brouder, manager and trainer of Dromcollogher / Broadford footballers, reigning Munster club champions, and of Tom Aherne of Glensharrold, described as "the archivist of every club in the county".
The book launch was part of the 10th Eigse Michael Hartnett, the annual literary and cultural festival in honour of Newcastle West's late poet which is organised by Limerick County Council arts office.
Mr McDonnell is a native of Mayo and has published nine novels for adults and children and three non-fiction works, as well as more than 50 short stories and other writings. He has won the RTE Francis McManus short story award, the GPA and an RAI award. He is a teacher in fiction at UL and travels the country giving readings and workshops.
The Story of the GAA is available in bookshops, priced €6.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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