Photos: Danny Lahart
It was an article in the Irish Times, in 1999, that journalist Sean Kilfeather reviewed a book- Mud, Sweat and Jeers by Kilkenny Journalist, Jimmy Rhatigan. The book that takes an inquisitive and at times anecdotal look inside a local club is a journey through the years with Emfa and then Kilkenny City Football Club, a trip that was brilliant and sometimes brutal, an excursion of good, bad and ugly that teased, tantalized and excited lovers of the beautiful game in schoolboys, junior and professional senior soccer.
The main act is sport but there are whirlwind peripherals as the 211 pages delve into the lives of the courageous men and women who undertook a crusade into the unknown and so often dug into their own pockets to keep afloat the Good Ship that was born in Kilkenny CBS and nurtured in Fatima Place and Emmett Street. Having completed his schooling at The C.B.S. on James’ Street in Kilkenny, Jimmy entered the world of journalism with The Kilkenny People newspaper. This was a post he would hold for almost 40 years.
And Jimmy would tell you that the years spent at The Kilkenny People were happy ones. First off, he worked very well with the proprietor and editor John Kerry Keane, a man Jimmy admired and respected. Mind you, I think it is fair to say that it worked both ways. And of course he worked alongside some of the best journalists in the business, who as it turned out also became lifelong friends. These included Peter Holohan, Sean Hurley, Pat Sweeney and John Knox.
Jimmy’s ‘entrance’ exam was in the form of an essay he had to write. Having been met with approval by the powers that be at The Kilkenny People, Jimmy set off on a journalistic career that saw him become one of the most respected journalists, not only in Kilkenny, but nationally.
When we speak of Kilkenny city soccer club, Jimmy Rhatigan was, at one stage, manager, secretary, pitch marker, fund raiser and a few other things in his spare time, if he had any. Apart from his own online paper The Kilkenny Press, Rhatigan now has a bit more time on his hands. And because of that extra time, one assumes that the idea of his latest book Love Is… was born.
On Thursday night last week, family and friends joined Jimmy as he launched Love Is…. The publication looks at the lives of 66 men and women from Kilkenny city and county and highlights their contribution to life in the Black and Amber county. This is the third book from the man who started life in Fatima Place in Kilkenny. His two previous books include, Mud sweat and Jeers and Treasure lost, treasure found. The Paris Texas pub and restaurant on High Street in Kilkenny was the venue for the launch.
Celebration
In a heart warming celebration of grassroots commitment and community dedication, the book launch of Jimmy Rhatigan’s third book Love Is…, brought together some of the most committed community activists from across Kilkenny. The book, a compilation of stories and insights from these unsung heroes, shines a spotlight on the tireless work that often goes unnoticed but has a profound impact on society.The launch held at the city centre hostelry Paris Texas, was a testament to the power of community spirit and the difference that passionate individuals can make.
Master of ceremonies Fergus Heffernan welcomed the audience and set the tone for the evening, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in highlighting the achievements of community activists. Mr Heffernan had special words of praise for the author Jimmy Rhatigan, praising his journalistic endeavours and describing him as a towering influence that helped shape modern day Kilkenny. Throughout the night, attendees had the opportunity to engage with the book’s contributors, hearing firsthand about their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. From organizing local clean-ups, developing the arts, advocating for social justice, promoting life saving initiatives, the stories shared were diverse and inspiring.
Father and son
The official launch was performed by father and son Michael and MJ Comerford, son-in-law and grandson of the author. There was a loud appreciative cheer when MJ, with great aplomb, announced, “I now declare Love Is… by Jimmy Rhatigan officially launched
Love Is… is much more than just a book; it is a call to the wider community to reflect on their own roles and to consider how they might contribute to positive change. As the stories within its pages demonstrate, activism can take many forms, and every effort, no matter how small it may seem, has the potential to make a significant difference.
As the night drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of hope that Love Is … will be the catalyst that will help change perceptions and encourage greater community activism.
