We feared that when Eamon O'Shea left the Tipperary post at the end of last season, intersections between hurling in the literary world would become thin on the ground.
Those who attended the 'Poetry Day' event at the Source Arts Centre in Thurles last year would have found the then Tipperary boss deep in conversation with renowned poet Paul Durcan on matters such as 'the complexities of creative ageing, new work, and his (Durcan's) passion for the GAA'.
But with O'Shea gone from the inter-county scene, we thankfully still have Derek McGrath around to remind us that hurling gaffers have a rich hinterland.
McGrath spoke about his philosophy for dealing and empathising with young players. He leans on the wise words of the now deceased Harper Lee for inspiration.
In addition to everything else, it transpires she was a sports psychologist. If she can inspire Waterford, then her greatness will undeniable.
In conversation with Adrian Barry on Allianz Leagues Extra on Setanta, McGrath discussed how 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a important text for him.
Would you believe, I've taught 'To Kill a Mockingbird' for the past fifteen years in school and anything I've based is kinda based on Harper Lee's quotes there. It sounds corny to say but it's a matter of climbing into everyone's skin and kinda walking around in it. Sussing out every unique situation and trying to put your maxim in place based on their own unique circumstances. But, lookit, there's no guarantee of success. Just like Atticus got injustice for Tom Robinson, we might get injustice in the end.
Check out our interview with @WaterfordGAA hurling manager Derek McGrath on this week's #AllianzLeaguesExtra. https://t.co/WqWGWSEsdb
— AllianzLeagues Extra (@GAAonSetanta) March 25, 2015
