PJ Cunningham’s new book ‘Grassroots: The Second Half’ explores a gold mine of tales from the world of the GAA, spanning over 150 years.
It follows the publication of a successful first volume last year.
The stories are down to earth; some are heart breaking, others uplifting. One thing they all have in common is they each highlight the vital role of the GAA in our communities.
The stories will appeal to everyone and not just GAA fanatics. Talking to the Donegal News, PJ explained: “The stories are from GAA people, but it’s not just football and hurling. It’s the human life, the normal things that people do, that’s what makes it a little bit different.”
There are seven contributions about County Donegal. They include both stories and poetry from those at the heart of the sport.
Colette Bonner tells the quirky story of why her mother, who wasn’t a betting woman, received a tip from the first prime minister of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo and backed the underdogs, Co. Down, in the All-Ireland Senior Football Final in 1960.
The journalist Gerry McLaughlin, who has deep roots in Meenaleck, Annagry, tells the tale of Corlea and how the cross border club almost tore a town apart.
Rose Kelly explains how her mother Helen, “was facing into a quiet and restful old age and dreading every minute of it,” until local club Urris GAA moved to the pitch next door. Her story tells of her mother’s heart-warming relationship with her new neighbours.
Pádraig Carr, a Carrick native, tells the story of Martin Griffin, who he calls “the King of the one-liners”.
Dónal Ó Gallachóir, Falcarragh, wittily relates the story of “the Seige of Bedlam” when the Cloughaneely club made headlines in 1931.
The book is also designed by a Donegal man who lives in Gortahork, Joe Coyle.
“The GAA is a universal Parish, what happens in Offaly, Cork or even New York, will happen in the GAA in Donegal, whether it’s in Gweedore or Letterkenny. It’s a universal language that travels across the world in the same manner,” said PJ.
The book also tells the story of an international opera singer Tom Birch, who through a loophole in his contract, found himself playing for
Vienna Gaels GAA club.Tom’s daughter then attended her first Cúl Camp this summer.
The book is availble to purchase nationwide and from www.ballpointpress.ie
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)