Cappamore club anniversary sparks thoughts of better times

To celebrate their 125th anniversary, Cappamore GAA club in Limerick will play host to a senior hurling challenge between Limerick and Dublin on Sunday, throw-in 4pm.

Its most famous son these days is John ‘Bull’ Hayes, former club player but more renowned for his exploits in a different field with Munster and Ireland. Before John, however, there was Liam Ryan, youngest-ever captain of a Munster championship-winning side, Mackey’s Greyhounds of 1955.

A retired priest, Liam (76) is back in his home parish for the past 11 years, and is vice-president of the club. Confined to a wheelchair after a recent illness, his mind is as sharp as ever, his memory impeccable.