Falls, Brawls and Town Halls

Book excerpt: Extensively researched, the history of professional wrestling in Northern Ireland is detailed for the first time and with exclusive interviews from over 25 pro wrestling personalities including Darkie Arnott (the "Irish-Italian" shipyard worker whose first match was in 1950), Eddie Hamill (who as "The Amazing Kung Fu" thrilled on ITV's World of Sport), Dave Finlay Senior (an inspirational pro wrestling promoter and amateur wrestling advocate) and Fit Finlay (one of Europe's greatest ever grapplers and a world-renowned Superstar) plus many more. Year by year from it's deceptive beginnings, through World War II, through the Troubles and into the new millennium, this is the story of the men and women who as wrestlers, referees and MCs entertained - not only in Ireland but around the world - for decades, from hundreds in the Ulster Hall in Belfast to thousands in a field in Fermanagh to millions watching on television. Features over 100 pictures.