Henry Martin, author of the widely acclaimed and controversial Unlimited Heartbreak, has just written the first full biography of Mick Mackey, Limerick hurling's greatest icon. From 1933 to 1940 Limerick hurlers dominated the game. Mick Mackey was key in that era, driving his team to three All-Ireland titles, five Munster championships and five national leagues. Mackey also achieved success as a Railway Cup player with Munster, and with Ahane, who were masters of Limerick hurling for many years.

The greatest hurler of the era, Mackey would have expected to achieve more but success was replaced by defeat, curious team selections, bickering and politics. He failed to win another major medal and Christy Ring emerged as his rival on the hurling field. Ahane's winning streak ended in 1949 following a near-fatal row in a club game in which teammate Mick Herbert almost lost his life. Mackey was a witness in the subsequent court trial.

Published by The Collins Press (price €17.99), this is a fascinating insight into the life and hurling career of Mick Mackey and his beloved Limerick. First-hand accounts from close associates, former teammates, opponents and relations offer a different dimension to the original Mackey story, including new facts and insights, old and new photographs. It lays bare the politics and the infighting that have dogged hurling in the troubled county and is a compelling tale of Limerick hurling from the 1930s to the 1970s.

Henry Martin played underage with Galbally in Limerick and still plays club football. He played hurling for Garryspillane when hurling in Galbally disbanded and has been a GAA referee since 2002. A graduate of the University of Limerick and qualified teacher, he wrote a weekly GAA column in the Limerick Leader and now writes for Hurling World and the website An Fear Rua.

Mick Mackey - Hurling Legend in a Troubled County by Henry Martin is published by The Collins Press, price €17.99. It will be available in all good bookshops from w/c 22 August and online at www.collinspress.ie now.

978-1848891012 • €17.99/£14.99 • Pb • 234 x 156 mm • 288 pp • B&W photos

If you have any queries or if you'd like to arrange an interview with Henry, please let me know. Tweet

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