Mackey and Ring

'Makes one of the iconic photographic images of Irish sporting history come alive' Paul Rouse In Mackey & Ring, Arthur James O'Dea vividly brings to life the compelling joint biography of two of hurling's most celebrated figures: Mick Mackey and Christy Ring. He looks beyond the legends to explore not only what they achieved on the field, but also how their reputations grew, endured and transformed over three decades, through retirement and even beyond death. From a time with little surviving footage, it is remarkable how firmly both men remain rooted in the collective GAA memory. Idolised without ever embracing celebrity, they lived ordinary lives that stood in quiet contrast to their extraordinary gifts. Yet they sparked devotion strong enough to draw spectators from across Munster and from much further beyond. Inspired by Justin Nelson's iconic 1957 photograph, this book uncovers the real men behind the myth: their triumphs, rivalries and complexities, alongside the cultural forces that elevated them to near-mythic status. Warm, insightful and richly drawn, Mackey & Ring explores where fact meets folklore and asks what happens when, in the telling, the legend becomes the legacy.

© 2026 Gill Books (Ebook): 9781804583647

Release date

Ebook: 27 August 2026