In the 1970s and 80s, Clare became the fairytale hurling team in Ireland. The team that, at times, the whole country wanted to see as champions, but Clare never quite stepped out of that fairytale. They never won an All-Ireland title... never won a Munster title. It was a team of legendary figures, and amongst that number was John Callinan.
In 1972, still a boy at 17 years of age, John Callinan played for the Clare minor, under-21 and senior teams in the championship. It was a summer when he set off on a journey in blue and gold that would last 15 years. To Play, To Live is the story of daydreaming but always believing, and forever cherishing every single moment on the hurling field - the greatest days and the heart-breaking days.
To Play, To Live is the story of a journey, but also a quest that finally ended when the Clare team of the 1970s and 80s got to experience the ultimate thrill of 'living' with the next Clare team that also entranced the country as they were crowned Munster and All-Ireland champions.For John Callinan, it was always about 'the game' and 'the team' - whether he was on that team or not! He completed hjs hurling career with two All Star awards (1979 and '81), two National League medals (1977 and '78), and three Railway Cup triumphs. He also fought for two decades with Clarecastle as his home parish chased ultimate glory, before the Magpies at last were crowned champions of Clare (1986 and '87).
To Play, To Live is the story of love, courage and joy for a game that was never quenched, never dimmed.
John Callinan is married to Siobhán, and they have two children, Aoife and Eamon, and one granddaughter, Sophia. He is a solicitor, based in Ennis., Co. Clare.