Opportunity for Galway fans to get their GAA story published

STORIES and anecdotes from the grassroots of Galway GAA are being sought for a new book – covering the 136 years of the GAA – to be compiled by well-known sports writer, PJ Cunningham.

Looking for content that has not been published before, but, perhaps, has been handed down from generation to generation, it is hoped this collaboration between the GAA and publishers, Ballpoint Press Ltd, will gather the most comprehensive treasure trove of Gaelic-related stories ever compiled in the history of the Association.

The story gathering will include oral accounts so that all kind of stories can be written down for the first time in book form, while the content will also feature in the GAA’s archives at Croke Park.

As well as Galway and the four corners of Ireland, stories are being sought from across the globe, in particular from those who have been GAA frontier people in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries.

Potential contributors who feel they have a story and who may not feel up to writing it can get in touch with Ballpoint Press and relate their account. It will then be written and sent back for approval before being submitted for final publishing.

Well-known journalist and author, PJ Cunningham, will spearhead the undertaking alongside GAA Communications Director, Alan Milton.

Cunningham, who previously published About That Goal (the Seamus Darby story) and the acclaimed short story collection, The Long Acre, said it has been an ambition of his to bring the great legacy of GAA stories together under one project.

President of the GAA, John Horan, welcomed the exploration through the Association’s grassroots to find the diversity of stories which undoubtedly exist there.

To submit a story or for further information, contact pj@gaastories.ie or communications@gaa. Letters can also be sent to GAA Grassroots Stories, Ballpoint Press, 4 Wyndham Park, Bray, Co Wicklow.