Pat Stakelum, Legend of the Ash is launched by the family in Ballycahill

Ballycahill Community Centre was packed on Saturday night last for the launch of Pat Stakelum, Legend of the Ash, a new book penned by Noel Dundon on the Tipperary hurling legend who hailed from Holycross-Ballycahill.

The book was launched by Limerick hurling captain Declan Hannon, a grandnephew of Pat, who brought along the Liam MacCarthy Cup on the night.

The launch took place just over the road from where the famous hurler of the 1940s and 1950s was raised on a farm in Ballinahow.

It was a reunion of sorts for the Stakelum family and they travelled from all corners of the land to be there. Pat’s son Paraic was there on the night to honour his dad: “We are absolutely thrilled,” he said.

“Pride would be the thing that would be in all our hearts here today. He was proud of this place and we are proud of all the satisfaction all the Stakelums brought to Tipperary over the years and independently to Limerick!

“My grandfather and grandmother would have made a big effort to go to matches always. They went to Dublin in 1945 when the first thing my father had to do was take a 65 against Dublin and put it over the black spot but just imagine them travelling when it took over two days to get to a game.

“The bicycle at the top of the hall is one I often got a lift on as a kid and that bicycle was bought in Dublin and brought home. He brought the Munster championship and the All-Ireland cups home on the handlebars of that bike and there was two or three also getting a lift on it!

“Hurling is in all our blood. I have two sons hurling with Killenaule, they are called the twin towers in the forward line. The love for hurling is running through their veins,” said Paraic.

His cousin Conor Stakelum, who coached many Thurles Sarsfields sides and previously hurled with Tipperary, said it was a night to remember: “What a great night. It is important that these stories are gathered and in a book.

“The people from that generation when Pat was hurling were incredible. I never met my grandparents but I really enjoy speaking to my last remaining uncle, Gerry, who is here tonight.

“Great credit is due to Pat's family - Paraic, Fionn and the girls. It is very easy to just not to do it, but they are making sure that generation of players are remembered, Pat being one of them. It is an important piece of local history,” Conor said.

Also there on the night was Ger Ryan, Chairperson of Munster GAA, who was glad the history is now recorded: “Pat contributed so much to Holycross and to Tipperary as did the extended Stakelum family as well.

“With Declan Hannon launching the book tonight you can see the impact stretching into other counties as well. Pat Stakelum himself was an icon of the game,” Ger said.

Declan Hannon, five-time All-Ireland winning captain, said it was a privilege to launch the book: “I know him through stories being told. It is a great occasion, kind of like a family reunion for the Stakelums. It was a lovely night to be a part of,” Declan said.