Where blow-ins drop anchor

IT was 1984, centenary year of the GAA, and in Kilkenny, the land where hurling is the major religion, Ballyhale Shamrocks reigned supreme. Just once in the previous six years (1981), was their authority broken, beaten by The Village, the legendary James Stephens club in the city.

Now in 1984, after wins in 1978-80, they were again going for three-in-a-row. Then came the men from the mountains.

In 1982, just two years earlier, the club of St Martin’s was formed, a combination of the clubs of Coon and Muckalee/Ballyfoyle in the northern end of the county. That same year — pure coincidence, let it be said — internationally renowned horse-trainer Jim Bolger, Wexford native and hurling fanatic, moved into the area, set out his stall among the rolling hills, on the border with Carlow. And immediately, he found a new home. With hurling as the catalyst, he became embedded in his new parish.