(Ballads and Poems of the G.A.A.)
Jimmy Smyth of Ruan is recognised as one of the greatest hurlers ever. He played for Clare constantly at adult level from 1948-1964. By 1963, he had lost none of his scoring prowess when notching 16 goals and 27 points in seven outings for the Banner county. In all, he played 147 times for Clare at senior level. A tremendous service considering there was no qualifier group system in his day.
For many years Jimmy has been interested in the lore of Gaelic games. A previous book 'Ballads of the Banner' was published in 1998. In this new book he presents ballads and recitations from the 32 counties. The book is broken into several sections - Hurling pre 1900; Hurling post 1900; football, handball, camogie and tributes. I especially like the vignettes at the close of the book. Many of the great hurlers are included - Christy Ring, John Doyle, Jimmy Doyle, Nicky Rackard, D.J. Carey, Brian Lohan and Christy O'Brien. Smyth considers Christy O'Brien (Laois) "one of the three greatest full-forwards ever."
I was reared with hurling but I grew to appreciate football when exposed to the Galway and Down winning teams of the 1960's. I fell in love with Down football in 1968. The Galway team of 1964-66 is considered one of the best ever. The following lines are in praise of Noel Tierney, a member of that team.
"Fullback is Noel Tierney of sturdy proportions- Have you ever beheld him in orbital flight. As he soars to the sky in magnificent fielding. To clear down the centre, a wonderful sight?" The work of over 150 authors is gathered in this tome. Jimmy includes a memoir of his own playing days and the golden age of the Railway Cup (Interprovincial Championship).
'In praise of Heroes' is a unique compilation of the lore of Gaelic Games. Published by Geography publications.
One of my best memories of Clare hurling is being present at Ruan on June 6, 1971 to see a Clare All-Star team of the past led by Jimmy Smyth, play a Christy Ring XV.
Above: Picture shows from left, John Doyle, Tipperary, Christy Ring, Cork and Jimmy Smyth, Clare.