Booked! History of Kilkenny county champions, the Shamrocks, launches this Saturday

The history of one of Kilkenny’s most successful GAA clubs has finally been put into print.

The Shamrocks (Ballyhale) will mark their 50th anniversary with the publication of The Shamrocks Story, which will be launched in Carroll’s, Knocktopher this Saturday at 7.30pm.

Charting the history of Gaelic games in the parish, the 400-page offering covers everything from the early days when football was the dominant sport in the 1880s to the present day and the hurlers who won their fifth successive senior county title recently, moving join top of the roll of honour.

The book, the brainchild of club chairman John Kenneally, was compiled by Gerry O'Neill of Kilkenny Yearbook fame. While the main body of the book covers the Shamrocks and their success over the last half century, as well as the fortunes of stars such as Henry Shefflin and TJ Reid, it also has chapters devoted to camogie and schools hurling.

Saturday's launch will feature a galaxy of star players, past and present, as well as a number of special guests.