Jimmy Finn’s story is finally told
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Jimmy Finn (centre) with his sister Natalie and members of her family, from left: Kate McEntire, William Ryan, Natalie McEntire, Natalie Ryan, and Natalie McEntire. PicasaImage 2 of 4
The Finn family at the book launch. Back row: Michael Finn, Marian Finn, Margaret Finn, PJ Finn, Jimmy Finn. Seated: Georgina Finn, Bill Finn, Jimmy Finn, Anna Finn. PHOTOS: SEAMUS BOURKE PicasaImage 3 of 4
Author Martin Bourke with Jimmy Finn and PJ Finn. PicasaImage 4 of 4
PicasaBy Shane Brophy
Another welcome addition to the archive of Tipperary GAA history has been completed with the publication of the biography of Tipperary hurling great Jimmy Finn, entitled “Jimmy Finn, A Tipperary Legend”.
Written by Martin Bourke, the 344-page book, marks the 90th birthday of the Borris-Ileigh clubman who hurled for Tipperary from 1949 to 1960, winning 3 All-Ireland’s, 3 Munster titles and 6 National Leagues.
Finn first played competitive hurling during his schooling at Thurles CBS. He arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of seventeen when he first linked up with the Tipperary minor team. He made his senior debut during the 1949-50 National Hurling League. Finn was a regular member of the starting fifteen for the next decade, captaining Tipperary to the All-Ireland title in 1951.
As a member of the Munster inter-provincial team on a number of occasions, Finn won two Railway Cup medals. At club level he is a three-time county senior championship medallist with Borris-Ileigh.
Finn is widely regarded as one of the greatest hurlers in the history of the game. He has been repeatedly voted onto teams made up of the sport's greats, including at right wing-back on the Hurling Team of the Century in 1984.
As with all Martin Bourke publications, his eighth in all, including the Mid Tipperary GAA History and the History of Tipperary Camogie, this book is a thorough account of the life and times of Jimmy Finn, including his family heritage of the Finn and Harney families with photos going back to his parents wedding to the present day of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
As well as recounting his on-field exploits with club and county, including all games he wore in the maroon and blue and gold jersey’s, it also contains contributions from well-known writers down through the years, as well as from teammates and opponents, such as Mick Minogue and Roger Ryan.
The book also contains forewords from GAA President Larry McCarthy and patron of the GAA, Dr Kieran O’Reilly, Archbishop of Cashel & Emly.
It is a book for lovers of Tipperary GAA nostalgia and priced at €25 and available in bookshops in the locality, it is one that is certainly value for money with the content and level of detail in it, one befitting a Tipperary GAA legend.