Hurling is a test, a constant mental, moral, physical test that goes beyond skill.

Family. Club Hurling. North Cork. These are the things that shaped Diarmuid O'Flynn's life. He played club hurling from an early age and captained his club, Ballyhea. But his childhood was scarred by beatings both at home and at school.

With bracing honesty, he recounts the ups and downs of a life in club hurling, of the game that was an outlet for his inner demons and an anchor throughout his life. He relates playing the game while working overseas, and the bigger battle he fought against injury and the limitations of age.

Experience the thrill of the action as he leads his team from junior to senior championship level, all while growing up, forging a career and finding love.



Author's Note 



Prologue 



My early years 



The Oul' Fella and the Mother 



My pre-teen years 



Learning the skills 



A pivotal year 



Growing pains 



County champions 



The demon drink 



The barren years 



London 



Army years: 1972–75



Playing the game



The real O'Flynn 



North Cork final 1975 



The scars of battle 



First sending-off 



Working in Iran 



Libya: 1979–80 

Another County hurling final 



Meeting arch-rivals Newtown again 



Going in reverse 



New York 



Home – and back to New York 



High-rise construction in Manhattan 



The Irish Voice



National Hurling League 1990 



Marriage and family life 



Back to Ballyhea 



Annus horribilis 



Still hurling after all these years 



Completing the circle 



Epilogue