Gaynor book scoops prestigious GAA Award
“Chiselled from Ash”, the autobiography of Kilruane MacDonaghs and Tipperary hurling great Len Gaynor, and written by Nenagh Guardian sports editor Shane Brophy, has been recognised as the GAA’s Best Publication for 2020.
The GAA National Communication and Media Awards, or the MacNamee 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. They are presented annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made by individuals and Association units in the area of media and communications.
And in the Best GAA Publications category, Chiselled from Ash, published by Hero Books, was rated as the best in a year in which autobiographies were also published by Cork footballing great Larry Tompkins, Dublin’s footballer Bernard Brogan, and Cork hurling great Denis Coughlan, among others.
In the commendation for the award, the MacNamee Awards committed cited Chiselled From Ash as “a very readable personal tale filled with emotion, humour and, above all, a love for the game of hurling.”
It added: “In this story of the life and times of Len Gaynor we learn about his journey to the top of his game, bear witness to some thrilling matchday memories and come to understand the importance of the GAA Club.
“Contributions from hurling legends and other prominent GAA figures add an extra depth to this book which is filled with real insights into the experiences of the flamboyant wing back. Chiselled from Ash also introduces us to some very memorable and uniquely hurling characters as Len looks back on seven decades of a love affair with the small ball.”
The books author Shane Brophy admitted the award came as a welcome surprise with what made the book extra special was the story Len Gaynor had to tell.
“Len made the book, my first, such an easy one to compile as he is such a natural story-teller,” Shane said.
“His memory and recollection of his hurling career over the past seventy years is incredible and his passion for the game came out of each and every page.”
Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy also offered his congratulations.
“From its earliest days the GAA understood the importance of communication with its membership and the power of being able to tell and share its story far and wide,” he said.
“The GAA’s MacNamee Awards allow us to recognise those individuals who have performed exemplary work in this field and whose contribution to GAA communications is of the highest standard.
“The diverse range of awards reflects the fact that communication is ever evolving and we remain committed to ensuring that Gaelic games remains seen and heard in this busy landscape.
The winners of the 2020 MacNamee Awards are as follows:
Best GAA Club Publication – Knockmore GAA Club 60th Anniversary
Best Website – Blarney GAA Club – blarneygaa.ie
Digital Impact Award – Armagh GAA
Community Contribution Award – Beal an Mhuirthead GAA Club, Belmullet
Best Photograph – David Fitzgerald, Sportsfile
Best GAA Related Radio Programme – Adrian Eames, RTE Radio Sport– Bloody Sunday Commemoration
Best Programme GAA – Armagh Senior Football Championship Final
Provincial Media Award – ‘Rubbing Shoulders with Giants’ – by Damian Dolan, The Irish World
National Media Award – Fintan O’Toole, The 42.ie “My grandfather, sporting memories and a Kerry team playing on All-Ireland Hurling final day”
Gradam na Gaeilge (Irish Language Award) – Conall Ó Máirtín, BBC Uladh - ‘Domhnach na Fola’
Special Merit Award – Michael Foley, Sunday Times, in recognition of Michael’s extraordinary commitment to the telling of the Bloody Sunday at Croke Park story of 1920.
Hall of Fame – Seán Bán Breathnach (Radio na Gaeltachta)