Ash was about to be clashed. There were hurlers, bundles of hurleys, several children, a famous broadcaster and many supporters at a party in the basement of Foras na Gaeilge this week. They packed in for a party to celebrate the publication of a book about a boy and his magic hurley. Seán agus a Chamán was written by Pádhraig Ó Giollagáin, with illustrations by cartoonist Mike McCarthy, from Glengarriff, Co Cork, whose work frequently features in this newspaper.
It's the story of a "leaid óg agus a chamán draíochta", says its writer, Ó Giollagáin, whose family - including his grandchildren, Maude (8), Luke (5) and Eve Gilligan (2) - was out in force to clap him on the back. His nephews who played for Galway in last year's All-Ireland hurling finals were there too: Fergal Healy was a member of the senior team and Niall Healy was on the minors. And Ó Giollagáin's niece, Fiona Healy, who was on the Galway team which was beaten in last year's All-Ireland camogie final by Kilkenny, attended. "But we won in 1996," she said.
Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, former chairman of Bord na Gaeilge, was singing the praises of Waterford's Ballygunner hurlers. The sports broadcaster said the Ballygunners are due to play Clarinbridge in Semple Stadium, Thurles, later this month in the semi-final of Comórtas AIB na gClub. About 30,000 are expected on the day. "Tá seans ag Ballygunner craobh na hÉireann a bhuachaint," he said. Port Láirge abú.
Colmán Ó Drisceoil, writer and principal of Scoil Lorcáin in Monkstown, Co Dublin, which will be 100 years old next year, arrived with his young son, Fionn (3), and a bundle of hurleys. Michael ÓRuairc, writer and teacher, said his next book, Trasna na dTonnta, will be out soon.