Mayo should compile its own ‘GAA Grassroots’ gem claims author
Such was the quantity and quality of stories in the two volumes of ‘Grassroots GAA Stories’ out last year and this year, it was suggested at the West of Ireland launch of ‘Grassroots – The Second Half’ in Castle Bookshop, Castlebar, that the county of Mayo should consider doing its own collection.
Journalist and author PJ Cunningham, who compiled both books, told the gathering last night that he got more good stories and interest in writing accounts of happening around the GAA from Mayo than any other county.
This fact alone made it clear to him that there was a county gem waiting to be written.
“I am not putting this forward as an undertaking for myself. I think I’ve done my bit.
"However, I am convinced that some journalists or GAA person residing locally should compile an anthology of stories by ordinary members of the association…and I’ve no doubt, it would be a best-seller in the country and among the Mayo diaspora.”
Cunningham said he had used 12 Mayo stories in the current volume and eight more in the first book ‘Grassroots – Stories from the heart of the GAA’.
“What I’ve done is only the tip of the iceberg to what could become available. Mayo is a GAA-mad county and I believe there are hundreds more out there with great stories to tell. All they need is a sympathetic ear to get their pasion plays committed to paper,” he stated.
Cunningham urged contributors to the two books present to continue to write down their tales, vignettes.
Doing so would help create “a first draft of history commiting local views on important details of the Ireland that has emerged down through the decades.”
“I know the GAA centrally is very interested in this type of on-going story collection and I’m sure the county board here would also back such an undertaking – if some brave soul was to undertake it,” he added.
The launch also heard Michael Larkin recall how Mayo were ‘World Champions’ in 1932 before eventually winning the first of their three Sam Maguires in 1936.
His story in ‘Grassroots – The Second Half’ detailed how the team visiting America to claim the Pennsylvania Cup and became ambassadors not just for Mayo but for the fledgling state.
Among other contributors to the volume with strong Mayo connection are Sean Hallinan, whose ‘Green Above the Red’ explains the historical origins of the county’s colours, Pádraic McKeon, Maura Flynn, Helen Calvey, Mark McGaugh, John Kenny, Willie McGee, Peter Walsh, Declan P Gowran, Murt Hunt and John Hoban.