Description “[The] graphic and fluid biography of a man who has since beaten his sword into a ploughshare.” Irish Independent
“Both [Martin Ferris and J.J. Barrett] grew up in the shadow of Sliabh Mis. Both sported and played through the parishes of Churchill, Fenit, Barrow and Spa. Both became GAA icons, Jo Jo, the son of another GAA immortal, Joe Barrett, playing in four all-Ireland finals. Martin would certainly have done so also had not republicanism intervened. He won an all-Ireland under 21 medal in 1973. These are no slight men, and the story of how Martin went on to contribute to the story of his county and his country is a compelling one, which nobody is better fitted than Jo Jo to write...I can recommend this story of how at least one quintessential Kerryman came to beat his sword into a ploughshare. It is a tale told in friendship and admiration by the man best qualified to do it, his friend and fellow Man of Kerry, J. J. Barrett.” Tim Pat Coogan
Author J. J. Barrett, born in Tralee, County Kerry, in 1943 was, like Martin Ferris, an accomplished footballer and has known him since childhood. As a journalist he has specialised in sport, most recently with the Evening Herald. He is the author of "In the Name of the Game", a study of Irish political and sporting history.
