Pictured at the North Tipperary Alzheimer Society office in Nenagh are, back (from left): Mel McKibbin, Toni Brophy (treasurer), Ann Darcy (secretary), Mary Lynch and Kathleen Kennedy. In front are co-authors PJ Maxwell and Donal Murphy signing copies of the book.

Sport book supports the Alzheimer Society

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A treasure trove of information and photographs, the third volume of ‘Gaelic Sport in Nenagh’ is still circulating as a fundraising venture for the North Tipperary branch of the Alzheimer Society.

The latest volume is the definitive history of Nenagh Éire Óg from 1960 to 2000, meticulously researched and prudently presented by Donal and Nancy Murphy, and PJ Maxwell.

The volume charts the progression of all of Éire Óg’s exploits at every level, conveying newspaper reports from over the decades, illustrated with a huge collection of photographs, many of which had not been published before.

The book was published last year as part of the Nenagh 800 celebrations. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, it was not possible to hold a formal launch, though the third volume of ‘Gaelic Sport in Nenagh’ has continued to garner widespread interest in the time since.

Nenagh VS Senior Hurling Team, 1976. The fully-captioned photograph is one of the huge array of photos to appear in the third volume of ‘Gaelic Sport in Nenagh’.

NOT JUST NENAGH

‘Gaelic Sport in Nenagh’ is a compendium to savour for followers of the GAA throughout North Tipperary, not solely from Nenagh. This third volume features players from Templederry, Silvermines, Ballinahinch, Burgess, Portroe, Killadangan, Kilruane, Toomevara, Roscrea and Moneygall, in both text and photographs.

The book includes history of North Tipperary Divisional under-age teams (hurling and football); Nenagh CBS Primary and Secondary School hurling and football; Nenagh and North Tipperary Vocational School teams (hurling, football and camogie); St Mary’s Convent Secondary School, Nenagh (camogie); County Tipperary under-age teams (hurling and football), and County Tipperary Senior, Junior, Under-21 and Minor hurling and football team panels. Scór, handball and track & field also feature.

Bearing a cover photo of one of Éire Óg’s most famous sons, Mick Burns, the 1964 winning of the North Tipperary Senior Hurling title – the first time the Frank McGrath Cup was brought back to his native Nenagh – is one of the many milestone moments focussed on in the book. The researchers also place great emphasis on the street leagues from 1962 on, from which some successful teams arose at both under-age and adult level.

Further attention is devoted to Éire Óg’s club officers and committee members over the years, along with the captains, vice-captains, selectors, trainers and coaches, all of whom are documented in these 850 pages.

Nenagh VS Galtee Trophy Winners of the County VS Hurling Final, 1963 (courtesy of Brendan Treacy).

SUPPORTING THE ALZHEIMER SOCIETY

All proceeds for the sale of Volume III are being donated to the local branch of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Founded in 2005, the Society provides a valuable specialist home care service, giving much-needed breaks to family carers, as well as information and support.

Fundraising is essential in order to uphold this support, and the members of the local branch would like to stress that all monies raised in North Tipperary are spent locally to try and maintain their services for the people who need them.

A fourth volume of ‘Gaelic Sport in Nenagh’ is presently being compiled and it will also assist in fundraising for the Alzheimer Society.

Like its predecessor, its publication is sponsored by a generous Nenagh business family.

Nenagh VS, North and County VS Hurling Champions, 1965 (photo courtesy of Brendan Treacy).
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