My name is Jennifer O Brien. I am 12 years old. I live in Ballydavid Mullinahone Co Tipperary. I am making a book about my godfather John Leahy. He plays hurling for the Tipperary Senior Hurling Team. He is one of the most famous players in the world. Here is a picture of me on the school pitch. Slievenamon is behind me.

Fact File.

Name: John Leahy.

Age: 32

Height: 5'9

Position: Wing forward.

Club: Mullinahone

County team:Tipperary

Team Manager: Nicky English.

. Honours: 2 all Irelands SHC, 4 Munster SHC, 4 NHL, 1 All Ireland U21, 1 MHC.

Chapter 1: What he does.

John plays hurling. He is a very good hurler. He plays for Tipperary. He really enjoys the sport and anything you want to know about hurling you could always ask him. John has played many positions but his main position is wing forward. He first got on the Minor team at the age of 17. He started off as a mascot in Mullinahone and when he got older he joined the team and his talent wasn't long noticed. John's brother Noel and my father helped John practice and they also played together on the Mullinahone. John with my Dad at my First Communion

Chapter 2 Medals and All Stars.

John has 2 All Ireland SHC, 4 Munster SHC, 4 NHL, 1 All Ireland U21 and 1All Ireland MHC medals. John also has 3 All Stars. One in 1989, one in 1991 and the other one in 1997.

Chapter 3: 2001 Season.

Last year Nicky English the Tipp manger was keeping John for the match against Clare. So when the day came he went on in the first half. He was on a minute when he jumped up for the ball and fell down. He hurt his knee. He was carried off in a strecher. The doctor said that he would be out for the rest of the year. He was very disappointed and he also missed a very good year. But he is recovering very slowly. He might be back this year. It will depend on his knee.

Chapter 4 Interview with John.

Jennifer O' Brien: What is it like in the dressing room before an All-Ireland?

John Leahy: Very exciting and you would have a lot of butterflies in the tummy. Everyone would be really nervous. JOB: Who is the best player you ever marked?

JL:(Your father Terry!!) and Tony Browne Waterford.

JOB: What was your toughest match?

JL: vs Galway in 1993 and vs Latin Cullen 1989 SH final.

JOB: What was the best match you ever played?

JL: vs Ballingarry in J.H South Semi final in 1989 and vs Cork 1991 Munster Final Replay.

JOB: What is it like when you run out on the pitch before a match on All-Ireland final day?

JL: It very emotional and brilliant it's what you always dream of doing. You know your representing your family and friends in Mullinahone and Tipp.

JOB: What is it like to win an All-Ireland final?

JL: Brilliant a great sense of achievement.

JOB: What is it like when you get man of the match.

JL: Well it's always nice. I would always consider it very lucky to get one because everyone is out to do their best.

JOB: How many do you have?

JL: 6 man of the matches I have.

JOB: When was your first Senior match?

JL: 1988 March. vs Antrim

John on a visit to my house.

Chapter 5

Paddy Power of Drangan wrote this song because John is very popular and respected in Tipperary and well-liked.

The Ballad of John Leahy.

There's a spot in old Tipperary

And they call it Kickham's town

Where there dwells a mighty hurler

Who his brought us great renown

His name it is John Leahy

Though yet of tender age

He has brought home four All Irelands

And he has entered history's page.

When John he started hurling

In his native Mullinahone,

'Twas against a wall in Carrick St.,

He was mostly on his own

His brother used to join him

For to throw him back the ball

Then his skills were quickly noticed

In the school in Killenaule.

Here's a health to you John Leahy

May more honours come your way

You're the greatest in all Ireland

That's proved now day by day.

You have speed and skill and toughness

And you fear not any man

You're a mighty new addition

To the famous Leahy clan.

Now the year at last is over

And the All Ireland crown 'tis won

They are singing and rejoicing

Round the slopes of Slievenamon

To his team mates all we can thank you

Sure can all take a bow

You have brought honour to your county

And the homes of Knocknagow.

By Paddy Power, Drangan.

Chapter 6: His club C.J. Kickhams Mullinahone

John has four Mullinahone team mates that also play for Tipperary. Their names are Paul Kelly who plays wing back; his brother Eoin Kelly who plays corner forward; Brian O' Meara wing forward; Paul Curran is a sub. The club is called C.J. Kickhams. The colour of Mullinahone is red and green.At the beginning of February 2002 he became manager of the Mullinahone team.He hopes that the team will do well this year. John at the front with his Tipperary and Mullinahone team mates. A picture of John in his suit with Eoin Kelly his future team mate for Tipp in front (with trophy) Chapter 7 Ending. I wanted to write about my godfather 'John' because I am very proud of him. He has brought Tipp and Mullinahone many memorable and happy years and hopefully many more to come.