A richly illustrated history of "the home of hurling" from its opening in 1910 right up to now. The building and development of the stadium, major games, significant players and managers, broadcasting from the grounds, the work of the groundsmen, other events held at the stadium and more.
Semple Stadium in Thurles, Co Tipperary, is truly "the home of hurling". This illustrated history of the stadium begins in 1884 when GAA was first founded in Thurles and chronicles the opening of Semple Stadium in 1910 right up to the present day, featuring all its great days: from the development of the stadium, major games that were played there, significant players and managers, broadcasting from the grounds, the work of the groundsmen, other events held at the stadium over the years, personal recollections and accounts of this place where legends are made. Richly illustrated by archive photographs and ephemera.
Liam Ó Donnchú is a native of Hollyford, County Tipperary and now resides near Thurles. After over four decades as a primary school teacher, Liam is director of Lár na Páirce, the museum of Gaelic Games in Thurles. He has been PRO of Semple Stadium for many years. He is a former player, secretary and chairman of Thurles Sarsfields GAA club and is currently vice-president.
He is author of such publications as: Thurles Sarsfields GAA Story Vol 1&2, Tom Semple and The Thurles Blues, Pouldine School-Inné agus Inniu, and co-author of Tipperary’s GAA Ballads, Horse and Jockey- a pictorial record. He has written numerous articles on Gaelic games.
Liam is married to Catherine and they have four adult children: Eoghan, Muireann, Neasa and Kilian.
magnificent … Anyone who has ever attended a game in Semple Stadium will want to read this … this is a love-affair with, not just the game of hurling with which Semple Stadium is so closely associated; but also with the place itself; its history; its colour and atmosphere; its draw of the multitudes to witness the gladiators engage in the ancient game … It is a fantastic read
a must buy for all GAA enthusiasts
a phenomenal book
the ideal Christmas present for any GAA enthusiast
a handsome pictorial record of one of the GAA’s holiest shrines
one of the finest sports books to have emerged in the past twelve months
