Tubberclair native, John Lennon, narrates one of eight Westmeath stories to feature in a fascinating new book on the GAA – written by people at the heart of the association nationwide.
‘Grassroots: Stories From The Heart Of The GAA’, is a treasure trove of GAA memories, tales and incidents spanning over 150 years.
The first edition includes stories from the rich history of Westmeath GAA, one being the aforementioned Tubberclair tale.
“Our club’s junior football decider against Ballynacargy had to go to four games before a winner emerged.
“However, it has lived on in memory due to what happened at the denouement of the first game. With the game delicately poised and a replay looking certain, the Tubberclair full-back caught the ball and was about to kick clear when the ref pointed for a 14 yards free in to Ballynacargy.
“After protests lasting several minutes, a number of defenders climbed up on the crossbar and when the ball was kicked into the crowd, the referee called an end to proceedings. But, really, it had only just begun,” John recalled.
Additionally, Kilbeggan man Stan McCormack provides the anthology with a couple of beautiful vignettes about life in his hometown, with a Black and Tan attack having a funny conclusion after they burned down the Dramatic Hall. They purloined the community’s musical instruments from the place and began playing tunes as they walked down the main street, including ‘God Save Ireland’.
Book author, PJ Cunningham, noted that the book generated an incredible response from communities within Westmeath and across the country.
“The book generated an incredible response from every county in Ireland, as well as from the Irish abroad and I have included stories not only since the GAA’s foundation in 1884, but from before, through to the Civil War and up to modern times.
“The collection is, in essence, the first time that this rich oral tradition of sideline and on-field stories have been put together and published in this form.
“It provides snapshots into the history of the GAA, recounted by the people at the heart of the action, whether those stories are happy or sad, dramatic or ordinary,” PJ enthused.
Other contributors include former Irish soccer international Niall Quinn, Meath legends Sean Boylan and Bernard Flynn, Tony O’Hehir, son of the legendary Michael, former Galway hurling captain Joe Connolly, ex-Armagh player and manager Joe Kernan and RTÉ hurling analyst and former Offaly star, Michael Duignan.
“The folklore and stories that built up around our games are part of the reason that the organisation occupies such a special place in Irish society.
“The GAA has always been about more than just games, it is part of what we are,” GAA President, Larry McCarthy, commented.
Grassroots: Stories From The Heart Of The GAA (Volume 1 ), priced at €19.99, is available now in all good bookshops.
