Vilem Rudolf Stieglitz

Vilém Rudolf Stieglitz discusses his youth in the Czech Republic and his family moving to Ireland with the sugar factories. He goes on to discuss his early school days and playing hurling and football in the Christian Brothers school and the brothers' influence on him. He refers to Sokol techniques, a Czech gymnastics organization. He recalls the war years both in the Czech Republic and with the Czech and German communities in Thurles. He goes on to talk about playing in the Dean Ryan Cup and the Harty Cup as well as playing for Sarsfields. He then recalls being suspended for playing rugby. He then talks about his time playing in UCC and for the county. He goes on to discuss equipment and rivals over the years. He mentions playing against Christy Ring. He then talks about the differences in the GAA when he was playing and now and the skills involved. After this he talks about his life in Africa where he played hurling and then in London. He talks of the impact on his life that his involvement in the GAA has had. He speaks about the inclusiveness of the GAA and how much like a family it feels. He then goes on to suggest the GAA need to change their approach in order to stave off other sports which might take players. He goes on to discuss his favourite memory and his greatest disappointment when he hit both upright one after the other. He talks about being famous and then thinks about those who have passed away from the team he played with. Finally he speaks about his signet ring which his wife made from his 1947 All-Ireland runners-up medal.