The story of Semple Stadium is finally written

By Shane Brophy

From the foundation of the GAA at Hayes’ Hotel in 1884 to the present day, Thurles has been the beating heart of Gaelic Games, particularly hurling. Generations have travelled to the mid Tipperary town on big match days to enjoy the atmosphere around Liberty Square and the spectacle of their heroes playing on Semple Stadium’s immaculate pitch.

So in this context, the compilation of a written history of Semple Stadium has been long overdue and in the recently published ‘Semple Stadium – Field of Legends’, it has memories oozing from every one of the 382 pages.

In author Liam O Donnchu, the voice of Semple Stadium for forty years up to 2020, there was no better person to compile the history of the GAA in Thurles and the development of the stadium from Thurles Sportsfield to Semple Stadium.

“Semple Stadium holds a fascination for so many people,” Liam said.

“Even on weekdays, when no game is on, I have occasionally met people to happened to be in Thurles and wouldn’t pass without going in. They stand and gaze in silence at the vacant arena, but for them it’s not empty.

“They are recalling the days their parents or neighbours first brought them here, the halcyon days of the epic battles, the legendary players. For them, the stadium has preserved their youth and vigour, and they have not grown old.”

The book recalls the great sporting moments in the famed history of the ‘Field of Legends’, including the Great Bicycle Finals of 1944, including Christy Ring’s wonder goal; the centenary All-Ireland Hurling Final in 1984, to Maurice Fitzgerald’s unforgettable point for Kerry against Dublin in the 2001 All-Ireland football quarter final.

The book pays tribute to the players, managers, staff, locals, and the wider GAA community who have ensured Semple Stadium has become such an iconic venue and will remain so into the future.

As spell as a sporting venue, the book recalls some of the other ends that took place on Tom Semple’s field, including the Feile concerts.

‘Semple Stadium – Field of Legends’, written by Liam O Donnchu, is published by O’Brien Press and is now available in all good book shops.