Remembering the titans

Exploits of Purcell and Stockwell recalled in new book

PERSONALITIES and legends of Galway GAA, and beyond, were among the extensive gathering to attend the launch of Jim Carney’s new book, Seán Purcell and Frank Stockwell: From a childhood friendship to Gaelic football fame and glory at the Ard Rí House Hotel on Saturday.

“I thought nobody would buy the book and I thought nobody would be here today,” quipped Jim Carney when observing the size of a crowd that came to not only pay homage to Galway greats Purcell and Stockwell, but also to the retired Tuam Herald Sports Editor.

Indeed, such was the turnout, it was standing room only for the majority, as Jim and a host of others offered their reflections on the two late greats of Gaelic football, along with reminisce on life in Tuam over the past half century and about some of the people and characters who gave of themselves to the North Galway town.

There was a great sense of place, not just in terms of Tuam, but of what it meant to be a ‘Sham’ or a ‘Scan’, the latter a nod to Jim’s native Milltown, which also featured prominently in his musings on the day…

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