Seamus Leahy

Seamus Leahy recalls his earliest memories in life, and recalls stories of the GAA from his younger days. He recalls early GAA heroes, and the effect that they had on him. He discusses various teams and matches, such as the 1941 “Foot and Mouth” Hurling championship that saw the All-Ireland Hurling Final played before the Munster Hurling Final that year. Seamus recalls his family's involvement in the GAA, most particularly his four uncles. He details their successes, recalling their immersion in the GAA. He also recalls the influence of cricket in the Boherlahan and wider Tipperary region, as well as Kilkenny. He compares the game with that of hurling. He also talks about Edward Carson coming to Boherlahan on his holidays, where he would play hurling with the locals. Seamus discusses the politics of Ireland in the early 20th century, discussing the War of Independence and Civil War. He outlines his family's role, and examines what role the GAA played during those turbulent times. He discusses the GAA in terms of culture and nationalism. He concludes by discussing Oireachtas hurling matches and the role they played, before discussing the relationship between successful counties and underdogs.