High profile books raising more debate
The publication of high profile autobiographies from Donal Óg Cusack, Billy Morgan and Tadhg Kennelly have created plenty of reaction and debate.
Of course, autobiography is somewhat of a misnomer as all three were ghost-written. Nevertheless, they are sold as autobiographies and, so the personality in question stands or falls, by what is written in his name.
Ironically, the book that should have been least controversial, turned out the opposite. Tadhg Kennelly’s admittance that his clash with Nicholas Murphy in the All-Ireland final was pre-meditated has sparked a firestorm controversy.
I felt that Kennelly’s words were a bit of exaggerated bravado aimed at an Australian market who wouldn’t give a damn about Cork or Kerry.
However the reaction from the general public has been good because it showed we demand certain standards from all sportsmen.
Kerry people felt somewhat betrayed and Cork followers insulted.
A leopard doesn’t change his spots and there is no evidence in all his playing career that Kennelly was a dirty player. For that reason I am glad he has clarified his position. He was definitely careless with his ghost writer and that is a matter for them. The rivalry between Kerry and Cork is intense but the mutual respect and admiration is deeper. Kennelly’s careless boast threatened to put a big dent on that unique relationship.
His clarification, will hopefully go some way to limit any damage done both to Kerry and Cork’s mutual sense of sportsmanship and Kennelly’s own reputation. But Kennelly may have to do some more before this is over. A letter of apology to Nicholas Murphy and to Cork county board might be a good starting point.
If ever proof was needed of the close bond that there is, when all the hullabaloo is over, between Cork and Kerry, one has only to read Billy Morgan’s book “Rebel, Rebel”.
A Kerryman said to me once: ‘you know, Billy Morgan hates Kerry’. Well, there is a big difference between hating being beaten by Kerry and hating Kerry people. Billy hated being beaten by Kerry and that was a strength not a failure; he admires Kerry and Kerry admires him. His book is written by a Kerryman, Billy Keane of Listowel, and he is have a Kerry launch of his book in Listowel on Saturday night. That is hardly the action of a man who ‘hates’ Kerry!
Morgan is one of the most interesting personalities in the GAA over the last 40 years. Probably the best goalkeeper of all time, he was tremendously successful as a player and manager with club and county. It is doubtful if any individual gave so much of his blood, sweat and tears for the cause of Cork GAA. Morgan’s book tells a story that needed to be told and is a valuable addition to the growing literature of Gaelic games.
Another distinguished Cork man is the author of the book that got most airtime and column inches in recent days. Brian Corcoran revealed in his own book a few years ago the pivotal role that Donal Óg Cusack played in Cork’s march to All-Ireland success both as goalkeeper and as a motivator and tactician behind the scenes. Then there was the brave and determined stance he took both as GPA stalwart and, also, during the disputes with the Cork County Board. These issues and his perspectives are what I am looking forward to reading.
The fact that Donal Óg revealed he is gay is what has garnered most publicity. Thankfully we have moved on as a society but we won’t have moved on completely until the need for people to have to declare their sexuality is no longer an issue. Donal Óg, the leader of Cork hurlers on and off the pitch, has provided leadership here as well. Now I hope he is given the respect he deserves and that he continues to play and promote hurling as he has always done.
I can’t wait to read what Donal Óg has to say about Cloyne and Cork, the GPA and the strikes. The gay revelation is a seven-day wonder but Donal Óg Cusack the player and pioneer is a part of hurling history.
Three great books to read about three huge personalities. I do hope though that the much admired and decorated Kennelly writes that letter of explanation and apology. And this time writes it himself.
