“This book is a work of art”

GAA President Jarlath Burns launched A History of Lismore GAA at the lavish setting of Lismore Castle last Wednesday night.

Author Brian Willoughby and publisher Liam Hayes have produced a 412 page book, full of colour photos, reflecting the 127 year history of the club. A picture of the 1991 county senior hurling champions adorns the front cover while the 2014 All Ireland camogie winners are on the back.

“The book is a work of art,” Burns told the packed hall. “It’s fantastic. Brian is such a font of knowledge.” It was a proud night for Lismore native Willoughby. “I’m privileged to compile the history of this brilliant club. It was a pleasure for me; a labour of love. I loved every second of it. It’s my hometown and it’s the town I love so well.” Willoughby was born on Main Street in Lismore. His father ran a successful petrol station in Ballyrafter. Brian gave 39 years of service to An Garda Síochana before he retired in 2022. He co-wrote ‘Guardians of the GAA’ in 2018 which profiled every Garda that played senior football or hurling for their county.

The author thanked all the contributors to this stunning publication including Tom O’Donoghue and the late Billy Kennedy who wrote the original history of the club. Former Munster chairman Jimmy O'Gorman also steered him in the right direction. “Jimmy, you must have fielded 555 calls!” Dave Barry put together the underage part of the book while JoJo Tobin, Olivia Flynn and Anne Marie O'Gorman helped with the camogie section.

2007 Hurler of the Year Dan Shanahan spoke passionately about his love of Lismore. “To see that flag coming over the bridge, the black and amber, on top of this great building, it gave me goosepimples. It made me want to go back training tomorrow night! I’m so proud to be a Lismore man, so proud of where I come from on Parks Road. We’d be lost without it. I don’t know where I’d be only for the GAA."

Burns got a guided tour of Lismore earlier in the day. “This is a unique place that you live in. You could be standing watching a hurling match, behind you there is a soccer match and to the right is a cricket match. I never thought I would see that in Waterford!” He complimented the club on their plans to develop a second pitch. “This club is really in a sweet spot. Lios Mór. The big fort. A fort is a place of safety, of protection and of sanctuary. That’s what this club is.” Lismore chairman Colin Kearney said that the book launch was a fabulous occasion for the black and amber. “I’m genuinely proud of our club this evening.” A fully floodlit main pitch, a bio diversity walkway, a stand and additional dressing rooms are in the pipeline over the next five years. “We have embarked on ambitious plans and these would not be attainable without the wave of support within our community. It gives me great pride to see our young boys and girls using our newly developed facilities over the last couple of years. My wish is that the most exciting chapters are yet to come.” 

He thanked Brian Willoughby for all his hard work. “His dedication and professionalism was unyielding through this twelve month journey. He is a proud Lismore man and holds the same grá we all have for our great town and club. To you Brian, we’re forever indebted.” Jimmy O’Gorman paid tribute to the work of previous generations with a line from former President Mary McAleese. “Those of us who drink the water should never forget the people who dug the well. That is what this club resembles.” Denis Nevin of Lismore Castle opened proceedings with a comprehensive history of the building. Waterford chairman Sean Michael O'Regan recalled that he got stitches after a schools match in Lismore! He also recognised the big contribution the club have made to the county board over the years.

A History of Lismore GAA is priced at €40 and can be purchased from any member of the club committee or pre-ordered online. All proceeds will go to Lismore GAA.