'On the Shoulders of Giants' looks back at a GAA golden age

A NEW book that looks back at an often forgotten period of GAA history has been launched 'On the Shoulders of Giants', by Henry Wymbs, chronicles the legendary careers of Gaelic footballers and hurlers from the 1940's through to the 1970's.

Wymbs provides a historical, cultural and social record of the times in which the players lived, such as growing up during and just after World War Two when food and petrol rationing was in full force, of restricted travel, which for some folk meant 50-mile walks to games, borrowing old bicycles, with football boots and togs strapped over handlebars, or thumbing lifts from town to town.

Historical GAA figures like the Rackard brothers (Nicky, Billy and Bobby) of Wexford, the Cuddy's of Camross (Laois) are among over 20 interviews contained in the book.

The memories provide an historical, cultural and social record of the times in which these players lived, such as growing up during and just after World War Two when food and petrol rationing was in full force, of restricted travel, which for some folk meant 50-mile walks to games, borrowing old bicycles, with football boots and togs strapped over handlebars, or thumbing lifts from town to town.

Henry Wymbs worked for Thames Valley Police for over thirty years as a senior detective and the BBC for twenty-five years. The book is published by Hero Books, founded by Liam Hayes, a former Meath Gaelic footballer and winner of All-Ireland titles in 1987 and 1988.

This collection of rare interviews is available to buy on Amazon.com, as an e-book for €9.99, paperback for €20 and hardback for €25.