5 minute read
Gerry Cody......P24, 36
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Father and son team: James Kelly of JMK studio at the Design Centre passes on some words of wisdom to his son Niall. (jbs photos)
A touch of the masters hand’... James Kelly puts the finishing touches to the Mac Carthy Cup Recently, Community Radio Kilkenny City, premiered a specially commissioned specially commissioned piece by Barrie Henriques, piece by Barrie Henriques, delving into the story of the delving into the story of the Liam Mac Carthy cup. Liam Mac Carthy cup.
Broadcast in thirtyBroadcast in thirtyminute segments, over four minute segments, over four consecutive nights, the consecutive nights, the author followed a unique author followed a unique path and told the story path and told the story through the eyes of the cup through the eyes of the cup itself. itself.
To deliver this inventive To deliver this inventive concept, CRKC utilised the concept, CRKC utilised the in-house talent to direct in-house talent to direct produce and broadcast the produce and broadcast the programme. programme. e major acting roles e major acting roles were entrusted to Lake were entrusted to Lake Productions duo, Derek Productions duo, Derek Dooley as the intrepid Dooley as the intrepid reporter, and Ger Cody as reporter, and Ger Cody as Liam Mac Carthy. Liam Mac Carthy.
Prior to broadcast, hurling Prior to broadcast, hurling a cionados, well versed in a cionados, well versed in GAA lore, wondered if this GAA lore, wondered if this play could deliver any new insights to the Liam Mac Carthy story.
Presumptions received a rude awakening. Enthusiasts were amazed by the detailed discovery of previously unexplored information.
From its beginning in the depths of e Andes mountains to its presentation a few months ago , the Liam Mac Carthy Cup has enjoyed a hectic Grand Prix lifestyle. e author has traversed every step of that exciting road to reveal the complexities and facts that surround the iconic trophy.
It was a delight to listen to James Mary Kelly, the Kilkenny silversmith who crafted the cup.
He spoke enthusiastically about the contract negotiations and regaled us with stories of the many visitors who came to his
The Liam Mac Carthy cup holds a revered place in the heart of Ireland’s sporting culture (Photo Pat Shortall)
Danesfort man Derek Dooley who interviewed James Kelly for the Community radio Documentary on The making of the Mac Carthy cup. Also in the photo, Mick Cummins, sound technician with Community radio.
The ‘Docu-drama’ on The Liam Mac Carthy cup was compiled and produced by Community Radio Kilkenny city in conjunction with Lake Productions. Photo: from le : Pat Treacy (sports department CRKC), Declan Gibbons, Community radio manager, Mick Cummins, sound engineer, Barry Henriques, author , Ger Cody , Lake Productions and Derek Dooley Lake productions. Photo: Pat Shortall
works in the Castle Yard.
For many, handling the Mac Carthy Cup was an emotional experience that brought tears of joy.
James recounted the role of former GAA president Nickey Brennan , who was integral to the contract deliberations.
With commendable foresight , Nickey ordered two Mac Carthy Cups, one speci cally for ceremonial purposes. e silversmith revealed another interesting fact : Des Byrne, who crafted the Sam Maguire Cup, was also based in the Castle Yard, Kilkenny.
And so, the Liam Mac Carthy story evolved, taking on a life of its own
Beginning with Liam Fennelly from Ballyhale Shamrocks , the only man to receive the old and the new Mac Carthy Cups, right up to Declan Hannon who received the cup in 2021 on behalf of the Treaty County.
In the interim, its annual presentation and homeward journey crisscrossed the country telling tales of sporting excellence and encompassing a plethora of raw emotional speeches, local songs and colourful anecdotes. e Liam Mac Carthy Cup holds a revered place in the heart of Ireland’s sporting culture and Barrie Henriques distinctive touch add further lustre to the accumulated glory. is co-production between Community Radio Kilkenny City and Lake Productions resonated with the audience and and proved an unquali ed success.
Afterwards, CRKC was inundated with complimentary phone calls and texts.
Station manager Declan Gibbons, in lauding the drama, insisted the professionalism of the programme lled him with pride and that the production embellished the station’s community ethos.
Programme Editor Mick Cummins was equally e usive as he acknowledged the encyclopaedic sporting knowledge of author Barrie Henriques . anking Ger Cody and Derek Dooley of Lake Productions, he maintained that their nuanced understanding brought the project to life.
Finally, he had a special word of praise for Pat Treacy and his CRKC colleagues for their commitment and enthusiasm.
On behalf of Lake Productions , Emily Kelly said they were “thrilled to be involved in such an innovative endeavour that brought so much enjoyment”
1904 Kilkenny CHAMPIONS Back: Dick Brennan, Dick ‘Droog’ Walsh, Eddie Doyle, Paddy ‘Icy’ Lanigan, John James Brennan, Martin Lalor, Jack Hoyne. Seated: Jim Dunne, Sim Walton, Pat Fielding, Dan Stapleton, Jer Doheny (captain), Jim Lalor, Jack Rochford, Pat ‘Fox’ Maher. Front: Dick Doyle, Pat Saunders. ( photo from ‘The Stripy men’ book by Joe Cody
1933 CHAMPIONS Back: Seán McCarthy (GAA President), Jimmy Walsh, Podge Byrne, John O’Farrell, Jimmy O’Connell, Lory Meagher, Fr Willie Brennan. Middle: Dick O’Sullivan, Eddie Byrne, Martin Power, Jim Dermody, Peter O’Reilly, Paddy Phelan, Tommy Leahy, Seán Gibbons (County Board Chairman), Mick Dalton (Trainer). Front: John Fitzpatrick, Jack Duggan, Paddy Larkin, Eddie Doyle (captain), Martin White, Tommy Grace, Mattie Power, Johnny Dunne ( photo from ‘The Stripy men’ book BY Joe Cody
