Clara-born author and journalist PJ Cunningham is pictured in Croke Park at the launch of his book ‘Grassroots – The Second Half, Stories from the heart of the GAA’ with (left to right): Conor Doyle; Ailbe Sheridan; Ciaran Doyle; Dorothy Doyle; the author; Mel Doyle and Caragh Sheridan. The book is dedicated to the memory of the late Mick Sheridan and John Buckley, who were both stalwarts of the Clara GAA Club.
Offaly GAA fans have learned how a new book shines a light on the 98% of people who make up the association – the grassroots.
GAA President Larry McCarthy said “grassroots people” rarely get the spotlight for what they do, but by writing their own stories as part of this book series, their storytelling would be part of the social and cultural history of present and future generations. .
The President was speaking as he launched ‘Grassroots – The Second Half, Stories from the heart of the GAA’ in Croke Park, which was edited by Clara-born author and journalist PJ Cunningham.
The book was dedicated to the late Mick Sheridan and John Buckley, loyal members of the Clara club.
It features fun, entertaining and dramatic stories from GAA members and fans at all levels with engaging contributions also from well-known sportsmen like former Antrim All-Star bowler Sambo McNaughton, former star rugby player Ollie Campbell, snooker star Ken Doherty, Kerry playwright John B Keane and Galway All-Ireland winner John Connolly.
“I’m not sure there’s some poetic license in some of them,” the president joked.
“However, I know I enjoyed the two volumes I have read and I hope there will be more to come as these books show how and why the GAA has become such a pillar of society. Irish.
“The reach and influence of GAA and the focal point it provides in so many communities ensure that it has achieved special status in the lives of so many.
“GAA is all about people and places and these two powerful ingredients feature in many stories submitted for publication.”
Editor PJ Cunningham said it was appropriate for Croke Park to be the setting for the launch, as the writers’ stories were recognized at the highest level by the GAA.
PJ Rickard, Editor PJ Cunningham, Carthage Buckley and Gareth Buckley of Clara pictured at the launch of ‘Grassroots The Second Half – Stories from the Heart of the GAA’ at Croke ParkPhoto – Aishling Conway
“Contributors have discovered a treasure trove of local stories that would disappear if not put into book form and these can broaden understanding of what GAA means.
“They used to say it was the Catholic Church, Fianna Fail and the GAA that were central to Irish life – the former two have declined in influence, but the GAA continues to grow. “
The stories are a treasure trove of memories, stories and incidents reflecting the rise of the Irish nation in all its forms.
‘Grassroots – The Second Half’ is published by Ballpoint Press and retails for €19.99. It is available from ballpointpress.ie and all good bookstores nationwide.
