New book on Tipperary hurling 'Land of Blue and Gold' hits the shelves

'Tipperary - Land of Blue and Gold' is a new book that weaves its way through Tipperary hurling. This book by Stephen Gleeson is a celebration of Tipperary hurling and follows the team in the famed blue and gold jersey from the time of Tubberadora right through to the present era.

While the team and jersey changes slightly each season, the colours still carry depth and have become an expression of the people from Keeper Hill to Slievenamon.

This must have “collectors item” book features Bobby Ryan, Nicky English, Bubbles O’Dwyer, Dillon Quirke, Mick Roche, Paddy Leahy, Donie Nealon, Tim Floyd and more.

The story begins back when Tubberadora reigned the land and follows the story of Paddy Leahy as he became known as “The Boss” for so many generations from the 1920s until the 1960s.

There is a chapter on the mercurial and hugely gifted “hero” Mick Roche from Carrick-on-Suir, while the contribution of “all-rounder” Donie Nealon to hurling as a player, selector and administrator is explored.

The chapter on famed “warrior” Bobby Ryan moves from famine times to the Babs Keating era while the “hurling artist” Nicky English recalls his time as a player and manager when he delivered All-Ireland titles in both roles.

Tim Floyd reflects on his time as “the secretary” while “the magician” John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer of Killenaule talks about his big days and what the future holds.

The chapter on the “legend” Dillon Quirke recalls the bubbly, talented hurler while there are super contributions from “supporters” Babs Keating, Kevin Hanly, Martin McGrath and former Republic of Ireland soccer Niall Quinn who has Thurles roots.

This is a book not to be missed.