Power book launch in Langton’s

The GAA fraternity will gather at 8pm this evening (Wednesday) in the surrounds of Langton House to review a hurling biography of a Kilkenny family.

Power - a Family Memoir, is a beautiful compilation of a hurling family, written by Dermot Keyes. It will tell the story of one of rural Ireland’s and Kilkenny’s great hurling dynasties and encapsulates the lives of the Power Family of Carrickshock, which consisted of three boys and two girls - Jamie, Richie Junior, John, Stephanie and Susanne. All three boys wore the black and amber with distinction. While the tome features the hurling escapades of the two Richies, Jamie and John were not bereft of All-Ireland glory either.

Behind every great family there is a great mother and spouse. Ann Power (née Duggan) comes from Boolaglas. She is an aunt to Eoin, Alan and Shane Murphy, both of whom have been members of one of the greatest intercounty teams of any generation.

There is more to this book than the winning of All-Irelands. Between the four Power lads, at the last count, there are 29 All-Irelands medals in the household, while some four All-Star awards adorn the home shelves.

Aside from the medals - and there are plenty - there are stories of human interest. The book chronicles great stories of friendships that have stood the test of time, not only within the county but beyond its boundaries. There are stories of great poignancy. It is a story of the passing of a hard-earned experience to a sibling without rancour or doubt - the continuity of a wonderful tradition. This is a must for every book shelf.

To complete the picture both Richies have agreed to give the proceeds of the book to the Kilkenny Home Care Team and Cois Nore - this magnificent gesture deserves support.