The Late Frank McLysaght Chicago Gaeldom has seen many fine caman welders since the reactivation of the GAA here back in 1949. Each of the affiliated clubs, Harry Bolands, Shannon Rangers, Limerick, Eire Og, St Vincent's, St Pat's and others over the years, produced its own share of these gifted athletes. Some of the more prominent, that come readily to mind, Jim McCormack, Mick Morrissey, Pete Murphy, Frankie Davis, Tommy Egan, Jimmy Moylan, Denny Carey and others, not forgetting the talented ones that came here in the 80's, all had their own inimitable style and craftsman ship. But few, if any, Gaels who saw them all, will argue the right of the stylist Frank McLysaght to be crowned Prince of Chicago caman craft. We mourn the great loss at his untimely death here recently. Frank first saw thelight of day in that beautiful little village Graignamanagh, in the south of Kilkenny. He was a born hurler from his school going days but migrated to Dublin where he spent his early life playing some star stuff with Eoghran Rua. He was selected and starred on the Dublin junior hurling team of the mid fifties, All-Ireland winners in 1954. Shortly after that time, he emigrated to Chicago and was immediately drafted by the famed Harry Boland club, with whom he played some outstanding caman craft and was almost immediately acclaimed by Chicago Gaeldom as a unique stylist in the mould of so many Kilkenny hurlers including Jim Langton, and even the legendary, D.J. Carey. He travelled to New York periodically to play his black and amber selection and was noticed by the New York selectors immediately. He was a regular on the New York team after only a few games at Gaelic Park and toured with the New York team after only a few games at Gaelic Park and toured with the New York team in l956 for National League games, in Ireland. Without a doubt Frank would be my first choice for hurlers that I have seen over the years here in Chicago and not because he was a Kilkenny man either. He possessed all the attributes of a stylist speed, body swerve, accuracy, stamina and the unique trick of being able to make the ball almost appear to act at his command. The countless tricks that he could play on opponents always drew rounds of applause and his conversion of frees was second to none and reminded one of the great Jimmy Langton. His likes has not been seen since he retired even though 6 or 7 Irish All Stars have graced Chicago hurling fields over the years. His large wake and funeral to All-Saints Cemetery, Des Plains, Illinois after the celebration of Holy Mass at St James's Church Arlington Heights, testified to his popularity and the high esteem Frank was held in the Chicago-Irish. community. Our deepest sympathy to his beloved wife, Jeannette, and his fine family. Ar dheis De go raibh an aimn. Courtesy of the Irish Echo October 2002 Tweet

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