New book on John Joe O'Reilly hits the shelves

News

Well-known Cornafean Gaelic games historian George Cartwright has this week released his third book in time for the festive market and it is sure to be a Christmas cracker.

“The Gallant John Joe – Cavan's Millennium Man” is published by Ballpoint Press and hits the shelves tomorrow (Wednesday). The book is a biography of Cornafean and Cavan footballing legend John Joe O’Reilly and is certain to be hugely popular among Cavan people at home and abroad.

Former county board chairman George charts the story of his clubmate from his youth in the Derries and later Drumcoghill through his time at St Patrick’s College and the Curragh in Kildare.

The book, which is George’s third publication after the well-received ‘Come On The Reds’ history of Cornafean GFC and ‘Breifne Abu’, expertly weaves the story of O’Reilly’s life off the field, including his family background, with his magnificent on-field exploits.

Cavan’s All-Ireland SFC successes in 1947 in the Polo Grounds and 1948, with John Joe as captain, are covered while the evocative passages on the legendary Cavanman’s untimely passing aged just 34 are described with great detail and sensitivity.

“I hope that the book coming out on this week is a good omen for Cavan and I want to wish them the very best of luck in reclaiming the Anglo-Celt Cup this Sunday,” George told The Anglo-Celt.

The book is for sale locally or from the author, email; georgecartwright56@gmail.com