New book honours Cabra’s sports legends

From GAA pitches to Olympic podiums, Cabra’s sporting spirit has shaped generations, and a new book is bringing it all to life.

‘Cabra & Sport 1930s – 2020s’, written by local man Jim Kelly, will be officially launched tomorrow, Friday, August 15 at the St Finbarr’s/Naomh Fionnbarra GAA clubhouse as part of the Cabra Festival 2025.

Doors open at 7.15pm with the launch event beginning at 7.30pm.

The book is the first of its kind, capturing the full sweep of Cabra’s sporting story, from grassroots beginnings to international glory, across athletics, boxing, GAA, soccer, cycling, judo, basketball and even crossbow.

With dozens of historic photographs and anecdotes, it serves as both a tribute and a permanent record of the area’s immense contribution to Irish sport.

To mark the occasion, organisers are putting on a visual feast of Cabra’s past: photo displays, both on screen and physical, showcasing nine decades of sporting achievement.

Invitations have been extended to past and present local sports legends, many of whom feature in the book.

Among those profiled are Stephen Collins, former World Boxing Champion, Gerry Daly, Republic of Ireland soccer international, Eimear Lambe, Olympic rowing bronze medallist, and Jim McNamara, marathon Olympian and decorated Masters athlete.

Also featured are Liam Whelan, the late Manchester United star, and Mickey Whelan, All-Ireland winner and former Dublin football manager.

Other household names with strong Cabra ties include Noelle Murray and Fran Rooney from the world of Irish women’s football, Olympic boxer Eddie Tracey, cyclist Tony Lally, Dublin hurlers Eamonn Dillon and Sean Moyles, and camogie star Siobhán Kehoe.

Local clubs are equally honoured.

Beggsboro AFC and Grange United are celebrated for their FAI Junior Cup triumphs, while St Finbarr’s GAA takes pride of place for its incredible legacy, producing more than 40 players who have represented Dublin across camogie, football, and hurling.

For author Jim Kelly, the project was a labour of love.

“This book is for the community,” he said. “It brings together all these incredible stories of commitment, passion, and excellence, many of which have never been told in one place before.

“It’s a tribute to the people and clubs of Cabra whose impact deserves to be recognised.”

Kelly hopes the book will resonate beyond the boundaries of Cabra, offering inspiration to future generations and reminding all of Dublin, and Ireland, of the deep sporting roots in this proud northside community.

The event is open to all and promises to be one of the highlights of the Cabra Festival. Copies of ‘Cabra & Sport 1930s – 2020s’ will be available on the night, offering readers a chance to connect with the stories, photos, and legacy of one of Dublin’s most storied sporting neighbourhoods.