Seamus O'Dea

Séamus O'Dea grew up in a Templemore family that was steeped in GAA tradition. As a young boy he enjoyed playing football with his brothers, and later they played for Éire Óg. After studying at UCD he found a permanent job in Tullamore and over time became increasingly involved with the GAA in his new home. Séamus joined the coaching set-up with the school team and they went on to win numerous titles as Offaly football began to assert itself, culminating in the county team’s All-Ireland win of 1971. Séamus recalls some of the characters he met as he made his way to games around the country - by bicycle, train and car - and watched various teams from both Tipperary and Offaly in action.