Galway Advertiser 2005/2005_10_13/GA_1310_E1_018.pdf 

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18 N E W S

Galway Advertiser

October 13 2005

Many turn up to share Jack Mahon's Memories
BY KERNAN ANDREWS There was a tremendous crowd in the Sacre Coeur Hotel last Friday night for the launch of Jack Mahon's 19th book Memories, a collection of sporting memories and autobiographical reflections. There was barely a corner of the Sacre Coeur that was not full with people. Among the many guests were Galway hurling legend Sean Duggan, Galway footballer Jack Kissane who played with Jack Mahon in the 1956 AllIreland winning team, Des Kenny, historian Peadar O'Dowd, and Cllr John Mulholland, as well as numerous members of Jack's family, his friends, former work colleagues, and GAA members. In the middle of it all was Jack Mahon himself. Though beset by illness, he nonetheless exuded his usual gravitas and friendliness, taking time to meet those who came to the launch, share warm words with them, and sign copies of his book. The MC for the evening was Prof Sean Freyne, who originally suggested to Mr Mahon that he write Memories. Prof Freyne had his own memories to share on the night. He recalled playing for the Mayo team in 1956 against Galway. "I was put on the team as a surprise for Jack," he said. "But I was no surprise for Jack. Then they shifted me out to Jack Kissane. I don't know if that was from the frying pan into the fire or from the fire into the frying pan." He also recalled that during his time in Maynooth College he received two letters each week. One from his mother and another from Jack Mahon keeping him up-to-date on Gaelic football. He summed up what many in the audience felt about the event when he quoted the Roman poet Virgil: "Some day it will give us great pleasure to remember these things". Memories was officially launched by Liam Mulvihill, director general of the GAA. "Jack said this is book number 19," Mr Mulvihill told the audience. "We hope he does number 20." He praised Mr Mahon's commitment to the GAA and his sports writing, but said of Memories: "This book is really Jack Mahon to the core, an example of just how broad his interests are. Anybody interested in a good story or anybody who knows Jack Mahon or heard of him, will get great pleasure from this. This is special as it is closer to the Jack Mahon I know than any of his previous books." Eventually it was time for Jack Mahon to speak. Getting up to take the microphone he joked with the audience: "There's no danger of me keeling over." He then thanked his wife Eileen for her love and support, Castle print for publishing Memories, Liam Mulvihill "who has overseen the finest stadium in Europe, Croke Park", Sean Freyne, and the Sacre

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Liam Mulvihill (left), director general of the GAA, with Jack Mahon attending the launch of Jack's latest book Memories; while below at the launch of their father's book are Lisa Carroll, Karl Mahon, and Genevieve Ruttle. Photos:-Mike Shaughnessy

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Coeur "for their usual courtesy". He also paid tribute to the nurses in UCHG, and in particular Nora, "who has worked for 20 years in the oncology ward. This is the first day she has ever taken off". He also thanked friends and colleagues from Moneenageisha "They never gave me any trouble. That's the way I liked it," and "The wider family who make up this wonderful gathering. I never anticipate this crowd." Mr Mahon then made a presentation to his eldest grandson Alan who had been part of a team representing Ireland at golf in St Andrews, Scotland. Then turning to the audience, he said: "I don't know will there be another

one" "There will, there will," said the crowd, before he continued "but if there is it will be called More Memories!" A standing ovation ensued. Speaking to the Galway Advertiser, Mr Mahon's close friend Sean Duggan paid tribute to him: "I know Jack for quite a number of years and we always got on well together. I got to know him better when he started doing the winter swimming and we used to walk the prom. He has been very kind to me any time he has been writing in the papers or in his books. He's never forgotten me so I'm delighted to be here tonight and I hope that at a later date he'll emerge again at Blackrock as he'll be very welcome."