Book about Waterford's last All-Ireland hurling title wins top GAA award

A book giving an eyewitness account of Waterford's last All-Ireland senior hurling championship win has won a top GAA award.

“59’ An Eyewitness Account of Hurling’s Golden Age” written by Brian Kelly, has picked up the 2024 Best GAA Publication prize in the 2024 MacNamee Awards.

They are presented by the GAA annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made by individuals and Association units in the area of media and communications.

The citation attached to Kelly's book says: "It is clear that a great deal of research has gone into delivering this book, and it serves as a testament to the pride of Waterford in its hurling tradition. This inspired production celebrates the 65th anniversary of Waterford’s last All-Ireland senior triumph and tells the story of that year in the words of the players themselves with recollections from the Waterford team and a number of their opponents.

"This first-hand oral history testimony from great hurlers of a golden, but bygone era is an invaluable record for the GAA to have and preserve for present and future generations. The men of 59 hold a special place in Waterford folklore and this meticulously researched book ensures their legacy lives on."

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The GAA National Communication and Media Awards are named after the late Pádraig MacNamee, former President of the GAA, Chairman of the GAA Commission (1969-1971) and member of the RTÉ authority.

Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “It is very fitting that the MacNamee Awards will be presented on November 1 – the calendar anniversary of the formation of the GAA 141 years ago, and the birth of a movement that was inspired in part by writers and journalists. From those earliest days the GAA was acutely aware of the importance of communication and of the need to be able to tell our story and have our voice heard.

"The passing decades have served to only make this ever more crucial. These are turbulent times in the media industry and an initiative like the MacNamee Awards allows us to recognise professionals who excel in the coverage of our games, coverage that we greatly value as we promote the GAA.”