Culbaire – the finest of them all.
by Noel Dundon Tipperary Media
The late John O’Grady, Clongour, Thurles, who died this week was perhaps better known as the writer of the Cúlbáire column in the Tipperary Star newspaper at a time when newspaper columnists carried huge sway.
Readers would literally be waiting outside the shops for the delivery of the paper each week to see what Cúlbáire had to say about the match, the new rules or the latest controversy. But, with John O’Grady, it wasn’t just what he said, it was the way he said. As an English and history teacher, he had a most unique command of the language and the manner in which he crafted his weekly column was awesome. Rarely, if ever, did he produce a boring piece and his wonderful end of year poems which reviewed the season past and looked forward with hope, were absolutely marvellous.
John was witty, intelligent, had a marvellous recall of games and incidents, and could write with acid in his pen when required to do so. He was a great man to have on your side and he was never afraid to swim against the tide of popular opinion if he felt it was the right thing to do – his acerbic writing on the whole Killea episode was a case in point. Younger readers might be unaware of the goings on back then – checking out back issues of the Tipperary Star would be well worth the while of anyone with even a passing interest in the social history of the GAA in Tipperary.
John was never afraid to challenge authority either and he would tackle Board decisions; question selectorial moves; offer his views on players and tactics; but always in a constructive manner and with the view to progressing Tipperary and the Association in general. He would take-on those who criticised Tipperary and defended the Premier County as he did his goalmouth when the white heat of battle was raging.
Of course with John O’Grady, he wasn’t just talking the talk – he had also walked the walk in a career which would perhaps have yielded far more in terms of silverware had his eyesight not come against him. He was the first minor captain to lift the Irish Press Cup in 1949 – a fact which thrilled his Moycarkey Borris clubmates no end as it kicked started a marvellous day in Croke Park for Tipperary with Pat Stakelum leading Tipp to senior glory the same day. How fitting that Johnno and Pat shared many a conversation in later years on the golf course in Turtulla, Thurles – only a decent three-wood drive from each of their homes.
John had a great regard for Cork and his own hurling career took him to the Rebel County first to UCC where he played in the Fitzgibbon Cup and for the Combined Universities team. He also hurled for Blackrock, playing in the county final defeat at the hands of Christy Ring and Glen Rovers in 1954. He would probably have been in the Tipperary senior hurling team long before he broke into the side in 1957 had it not been for the presence of the legendary Tony Reddin.
The All-Ireland senior medal won in ‘58 was a cherished possession – he won it three years after he commenced employment in his alma mater Thurles CBS, where he worked until his retirement as deputy principal in 1992.
John was also a fine golfer and wrote extensively on the game as PRO of Thurles Golf Club and as an officer of the club also.
John O’Grady was a marvellous mentor; a mould-breaking scribe; and generous to a fault with his talent and his advice. A true teacher, ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís. Rest in peace John.
Loughmore Croke it – Holycross Happy
John O’Grady would never forgive this column for not mentioning the games this weekend in deference to a column about his life and times. So, Holycross Ballycahill’s U-21’s have completed a sweep of titles following their marvellous victory over Clonoulty Rossmore. This would appear to be a club on the move but taking the next step is the really big one.
Loughmore Castleiney and Aherlow were unable to unlock the Kingdom’s senior and intermediate champions in the Munster football finals. The results do little to boost the morale of football folks in the county, though it must be acknowledged that getting to the deciders in the first place has to be regarded as positive.