Tom Semple and The Thurles Blues by Liam Ó Donnchú
Semple Stadium, Thurles, has for decades been the ‘mecca’ for GAA supporters, particularly hurling. Thousands throng to this heartland of hurling to witness the intense inter-county rivalries contested in the birthplace of the GAA. But what of the man whose name the stadium honours. This long-awaited biography of Tom Semple and his legendary Thurles Blues, was launched recently.
Tom Semple, the GAA icon, is synonymous with the game of hurling, since he led the Thurles Blues to All-Ireland glory in 1906 and 1908. Read about these earlier heroes of the camán and of Tom Semple’s training regime and tactics. Follow the Blues on their amazing tour to Brussels and historic Fontenoy in 1910.
Find out about the fascinating story of the early years of Thurles Sportsfield, renamed Semple Stadium in Tom’s memory, and how it developed into today’s ‘Field of Legends’.
The role Semple and others played in the War of Independence is also detailed in this hardback publication, which contains more than 400 pages.
The book is illustrated throughout and offers new insights into the life and times of yesteryear. Books costing €30 are available from local bookshops or online from www.bookworm.ie Books may also be ordered by post (€35) from: Liam Ó Donnchú, Lár na Páirce, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
President Michael D. Higgins receives a copy of Tom Semple and The Thurles Blues from Munster GAA Chairman, Robert Frost, at this year’s Munster final in Semple Stadium, Thurles.
Pictured at the launch of Tom Semple and The Thurles Blues were Liam Ó Donnchú (author), Archbishop Emeritus Dermot Clifford and Tom Semple’s son, Martin, who launched the book.
