Semple Stadium in Thurles, Co Tipperary, is truly "the home of hurling". This illustrated history of the stadium begins in 1884 when GAA was first founded in Thurles and chronicles the opening of Semple Stadium in 1910 right up to the present day, featuring all its great days: from the development of the stadium, major games that were played there, significant players and managers, broadcasting from the grounds, the work of the groundsmen, other events held at the stadium over the years, personal recollections and accounts of this place where legends are made. Richly illustrated by archive photographs and ephemera.
Forewords by
Labhrás Mac Cártaigh, Uachtarán CLG 7
Conchúir Ó hÓgáin, Cathaoirleach, Semple Stadium 9
Liam Ó Loineacháin, Cathaoirleach, Comhairle na Mumhan 11
Seosamh Ó Cinnéide, Cathaoirleach, Bord Thiobriad Árann 12
Introduction by Liam Ó Donnchú 13
Chapter 1: In the Beginning (1884–1929) 17
Chapter 2: The Making of Legends (1930–1945) 61
Chapter 3: Thurles, the Mecca of the Gael (1946–1951) 97
Chapter 4: When Ring Was King (the 1950s) 115
Chapter 5: Ash on Leather (the 1960s) 139
Chapter 6: From Thurles Sportsfield to Semple Stadium (the 1970s) 163
Chapter 7: GAA Centenary Celebrated (the 1980s) 197
Chapter 8: When Semple Rocked to Féile (the 1990s) 235
Chapter 9: A New Millennium (2000–2009) 273
Chapter 10: The Legend Lives On (2010–2020) 313
Index of Names 362