In attendance are Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns with, from left, Sean Stack, Principal of St Josephs Fairview, David Rafferty, Alumni President, Liam Mac Mathúna, Professor of Irish at UCD, Padraigín Riggs, former Lecturer at UCC, Brendan McGrath, Allumni, Stephen McGrath, Allumni, Michael McGrath and RTÉ Presenter Darragh Maloney at Croke Park during the launch of the remarkable book The Epic Origins of Hurling, endorsed by the legendary Brian Cody. This publication presents an abridged version and translation of Scéal na hIomána, considered the definitive historical and cultural heritage, brought to life through the collaborative efforts of past pupils and the dedicated Joeys Past Pupils Union. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile.
Last night St. Joseph’s Past Pupils Union (Joey's Alumni) proudly launched the "The Epic Origins of Hurling," a fascinating journey through the history of one of Ireland’s most ancient and cherished sports. This event, a significant milestone in the understanding and celebration of Ireland's national sport, hurling, took place in Croke Park to a packed audience of sports fans, historians and media personalities eager to get their hands on this epic publication to explore the rich tapestry of hurling's history.
The Guest of Honour, GAA President Jarlath Burns, introduced the book with profound words: "In order to know where we are going, we need to know where we came from." He praised the book for enhancing his understanding and appreciation of hurling, which continues to shape his efforts in increasing awareness and participation in our national sport.
The evening was expertly compared by RTE’s Darragh Maloney, who facilitated insightful discussions with the translators, editors and abridgers, Stephen and Michael McGrath and scholars Liam Mac Mathúna Professor Emeritus of Irish at UCD (all Joeys past pupils) and Pádraigín Riggs, former professor of Irish at UCC, all of whom contributed to this groundbreaking project.
Originally authored in Irish by Brother Liam Ó Caithnia, a revered former teacher at St. Joseph's CBS, Fairview, the book offers a deep dive into the storied past of hurling from its mythological origins to the structured gameplay we see today. This newly translated, abridged and edited edition sheds light on hurling's vibrant history, enriched by the game’s unique terminology and folklore, and underscored by a foreword from the legendary Brian Cody who describes the book as a treasure that "throws much of what we have ever known about the origins of our game on its head."
Panellists, from left, Liam Mac Mathúna, Professor of Irish at UCD, Padraigín Riggs, former Lecturer at UCC, Michael McGrath, Allumni, and Stephen McGrath, Alumni during the launch of the remarkable book The Epic Origins of Hurling, endorsed by the legendary Brian Cody. This publication presents an abridged version and translation of Scéal na hIomána, considered the definitive historical and cultural heritage, brought to life through the collaborative efforts of past pupils and the dedicated Joeys Past Pupils Union. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Drawing from chapters of "The Epic Origins of Hurling", it is clear that historical hurling was not just a sport but a vibrant cultural spectacle deeply intertwined with the everyday lives and social fabric of the Irish people. The game was characterised by features that would surprise modern spectators: matches of considerable length, often spanning several days, where teams from opposing parishes heroically clashed in fierce competition. Wrestling, a significant aspect of these encounters, was not merely tolerated but celebrated as a crucial skill for players, further accentuating the game's physicality and the valour of its participants.
Moreover, the presence of scrums, akin to those in rugby, highlights the rough, unbridled nature of early hurling. The strategic element of avoiding offside, a rule developed to maintain fairness and competition integrity, indicates the evolving complexity of the game even in its nascent forms. These intense, physically demanding features made hurling not only a test of skill and endurance but also a profound communal experience that forged lasting bonds among players and spectators alike. Such historical insights enrich our understanding of hurling's enduring appeal and its foundational role in Irish cultural identity.
The project was conceived by St Joseph's, Fairview alumnus Brendan McGrath as a fundraiser to support ongoing educational and community projects at St Joseph’s. All profits from the book sales will be directed towards Joey’s Alumni and St Joseph’s School projects.
Join us for an enlightening evening that celebrates the rich tapestry of hurling and its profound impact on Irish culture. For more information, visit www.epichurling.com.