1. Girls play too

by Jacqui Hurley

€13.99 €14.95

Irish sportswomen have been breaking the mould for a very, very long time. In 1956, Maeve Kyle became our first female Olympian, and in 1978 rally driver Rosemary Smith broke the country's land-speed record! Through the 1990s and 2000s we had world champions in Sonia O'Sullivan, Derval O'Rourke and Olive Loughnane, and more recently, the fantastic Katie Taylor, Kellie Harrington and Annalise Murphy have been among those who have put Irish sportswomen on the map. This book breaks the mould once more, as a first ever compendium of stories for children about our best contemporary sportswomen. With a fairy-tale touch, RTÉ's Jacqui Hurley tells the stories of women who have proved that being a girl is not a barrier to sporting success. Each story is one of overcoming big challenges, and the role models celebrated here are sure to inspire the next generation of Irish sportswomen. Featuring twenty-five dazzling athletes, and with delightful pictures by five wonderful female Irish illustrators, Girls Play Too is a celebration of come of our brightest and best sporting stars, and of all that you can achieve if you try your best and never give up on your dreams.

2. Aim high

by Donny Mahoney

€16.99

Meet the Irish men and women who aimed high in the sport they love. From Dan Donnelly, our first heavyweight boxing champion, to our greatest runner, Sonia O'Sullivan. From Brian O'Driscoll's amazing rugby performances to Rosemary Smyth's rally driving brilliance. From the heroic rowing of the O'Donoval brothers to the our women's hockey team: the first ever Irish team to reach a world final. Featuring many people whose achievements have fallen from view, such as Anne O'Brien (the first Irish female professional football player) and Francie Barrett, the first traveller to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games. The remarkable stories of these trailblazers from throughout Ireland will inspire and excite children of all ages. Donny Mahoney and illustrator Eoin Coveney will draw you into the amazing world of these athletes, and introduce the next generation of role models.

3. Salah

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

The No.1 football series - over 1 million copies sold! Mohamed Salah is Liverpool's superstar forward, and he is on a mission to become the best player in the world. This exciting book follows his adventures across the world - from the heat of Egypt to the magic of Rome, the roar of Anfield stadium and - finally - his big chance in a Champions League Final. Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life-stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to super-star professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

4. Rashford

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

The Number 1 football series - over 1 million copies sold! This is the story of Marcus Rashford - one of the brightest young stars on the Manchester United books and future England goalscoring legend. From tough beginnings in Manchester, Rashford has proven to be one of the Premier League's shining stars, scoring twice on his senior debut, scoring in his first Premier League match and scoring on his England debut in 2016. The future can only get better! Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to superstar professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

5. Messi

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

Lionel Messi is a legend-Barcelona's star player and the world's best soccer player. But when was young, he was so small that his friends would call him "Little Leo: and coaches worried he wasn't big enough to play. Yet through bravery, talent and hard work, he proved them all wrong.

6. Go, Johnny, Go!

by Paul O'Flynn

€9.99

JOHNNY SEXTON DREAMED OF BECOMING A RUGBY LEGEND FROM THE MOMENT HE WAS BORN. He enjoyed success from a young age, playing on school teams and donning the famous blue jersey of Leinster. There was one team he wanted to play for more than anything else: Ireland. But someone was standing in his way. The Irish team already had a star fly half in Ronan O'Gara and he wasn't ready to give up his place. So began one of the great rivalries of Irish sport. Could Johnny go all the way to kick Ireland to grand slam glory?  Go, Johnny, Go is the incredible story of how Johnny Sexton became one of the greatest rugby players of all time.

7. Gordon's game

by Gordon D'Arcy

€11.20

A rugby-mad boy. A huge game. And a chance for an epic win . . . or an epic fail! Gordon D'Arcy is an ordinary boy, but he's not so ordinary once he gets a rugby ball in his hands. He's the star player for Wexford Wanderers and dreams of one day wearing the Ireland jersey. A dream like that means hard work, raw talent and never losing sight of your goals. But Gordon has a wild streak that often lands him in trouble. Mum and Dad think that if he can just channel his energy, all will be well. Then something utterly mad happens and he gets a chance to live his biggest dream. Can he stay on his game and do everyone proud? Or will trouble follow him . . . like it usually does? Gordon's Game is a funny and inspiring adventure for rugby lovers of all ages! 'A cracking read . . . which will appeal to all the family' Irish Country Magazine

8. Declan Kirby GAA star: Championship journey

by Michael Egan

€8.99

Follow the trials and tribulations of Declan Kirby and his team at Smithgreen Gaelic football club, a recently formed but promising GAA team. Although they have a talented team, there are problems beneath the surface - will their temperamental star player Dereck produce the goods when it is really needed? Meanwhile, someone seems to be hatching a secret plan to have the manager replaced, just when they need him most. Declan also carries a secret wish - that his dad will once again come and see him play. Maybe if they make the championship final his dream will come true? Written by teacher and underage GAA coach Michael Egan, these exciting books are ideal for GAA loving children aged 7+.   

9. The story of Croke Park

by Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh

€16.99

It may seem strange to us now, but for a long time, with Ireland ruled by Britain, it was against the law to play sports like hurling and Gaelic football. That has all changed, and football, hurling and camogie are Ireland's most popular sports. Gaelic sports icon Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh shares his lifelong passion for the GAA with young readers, as he guides them through its history, and its most iconic stadium, Croke Park. The stadium changed as Ireland changed, and it has been the venue for some of the most memorable matches in our history, as well as major historic events like Bloody Sunday. Micheál picks his favourite players, matches and incidents from history and talks about the thrilling experience of commentating on games, and seeing the fabled cups - Sam Maguire, Liam McCarthy, O'Duffy and Brendan Martin - being held high by the All Ireland winners. A must for all young GAA fans.

10. Alisson

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

The No.1 football series - over 1 million copies sold! Alisson Becker is the amazing Brazilian goalkeeper who earned his dream move to Liverpool FC in the summer of 2018. His record fee of £66.8 million made him the most expensive goalkeeper of all time. Known for his stunning saves and composure in possession, Alisson really is a force to be reckoned with both in the Premier League and on the world stage. This is the story of the little boy from Novo Hamburgo with a big dream that took him all the way to the bright lights of Anfield. Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to superstar professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

11. You are a champion

by Marcus Rashford

€9.99 €14.00

It's hard to know what is possible until you start. You have to be ablbee to dream big and be prepared to work towards your dreams. Good things take time. I've achieved a lot, but it didn't come in one go - big things rarely happen overnight, and good things rarely happen as if by magic . . . Marcus Rashford is famous worldwide for his skills both on-and-off the pitch - but before he was a Manchester United and England footballer, and long before he started his inspiring campaign to end child food poverty, he was just an average kid from Wythenshawe, South Manchester. Now, Marcus Rashford MBE wants to show YOU how to achieve your dreams, in this positive and inspiring guide-for-life. No matter who you are and no matter where you come from, every single person in the world has the potential to be a champion. In You Are a Champion , the nation's favourite footballer gives you the tools you need to reach your full potential, showing you how to be the very BEST version of yourself you can be. Written with journalist Carl Anka, this empowering guide is packed full of stories from Marcus's own life, brilliant advice and top-tips from performance psychologist Katie Warriner. Perfect for readers who need to hear that they already are champions - they just might not know it yet. It shows kids how to: - Be comfortable with who you are - you can't be a champion until you're happy being you! - Dream big - Practise like a champion - good things take hard work and time - Get out of your comfort zone and learn from your mistakes - Navigate adversity in a positive way - Find your team - Use your voice and stand up for others - Never stop learning

12. Blue thunder

by Gordon D'Arcy

€7.99 €11.20

Gordon is back for more mayhem and mischief in the second book in the laugh-out-loud Gordon's Game series! __________ Gordon D'Arcy - the only kid at school with a Six Nations medal hidden under his pillow! Though helping Ireland to win the Grand Slam feels like it was just a dream. Now, he's been given a brand new challenge - the chance to play for Leinster. After learning so many lessons playing for Ireland - including how to make a complete eejit of himself in front of millions of people - fitting in at Leinster should be a breeze. Right? Unfortunately, not. After his first training session, he sees why the team is mocked for being 'soft' (those stories about players wearing fake tan? All true!). Now he knows why so many people from Leinster support Munster. But Gordon settles down to work under an inspiring coach named Joe Schmidt. Joe promises that, with hard work, discipline and a bit of self-belief, Leinster can win the European Cup. Maybe another dream can come true!

13. Declan Kirby GAA Star: Away days

by Michael Egan

€8.99

Declan Kirby can't believe it when he's selected for the county team. What's more, a few of his Smithgreen teammates are chosen as well. Declan and his friends band together to try and win an All-Ireland underage competition and travel to Galway where they find out all is not what it seems. The second book in the exciting new series written by teacher and underage GAA coach Michael Egan, Declan Kirby - GAA Star: Away Days is ideal for GAA loving children aged 7+. 

14. Alexander Arnold

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

The No.1 football series - over 1 million copies sold! Born and bred on Merseyside, Alexander-Arnold is Livepool FC's wonder kid, already promising big things despite the fact he was only born in 1998. He got his big break in an unusual way when his name was drawn from a hat to attend a camp with Liverpool FC and he's been there ever since. He's made an impact at moments that matter such a during Liverpool's successful 2019 Champions League campaign. It seems like there's nothing he can't do! Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to superstar professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

15. Kane

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

The Number 1 football series - over 1 million copies sold! When Harry Kane was released by Arsenal at nine years old for being too small, he had to use all his self-belief to prove that he could make it as a footballer. Now a superstar striker for Tottenham Hotspur and England, his hard work and determination have paid off. Kane is the amazing story of how the boy from North London became the Premier League's most lethal goalscorer. Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life-stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to super-star professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

16. Sonia O'Sullivan

by Natasha Mac a'Bháird

€8.99

OLYMPIAN, WORLD CHAMPION RUNNER AND IRISH SPORTING LEGEND 'Sonia walked to the start line with the other athletes, her tummy full of butterflies. She could feel the eyes of the crowd upon them. Sixty-five thousand people, all here to watch their race. She had dreamt about this moment for so long, and now it was here.' As a little girl, playing with her friends in Cobh, Co. Cork, Sonia O'Sullivan was known as the fastest runner. When she joined a running club and started to win races, she began to dream of the Olympic Games. Through her talent, dedication and her ability to get back up and dust herself down when things went wrong. Sonia went from an ordinary girl who loved to run to an extraordinary world class athlete. The story of one of Ireland's greatest ever athletes -- and a dream made real.

17. De Bruyne

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

The No. 1 football series - over 1 million copies sold! Kevin de Bruyne is arguably Manchester City's best player. This is the story of how the young Belgian rose through the ranks, worked hard despite the difficulties he faced along the way, and showed courage and determination to prove his skill in the world's toughest league. His versatility, technique and goal-scoring ability to have allowed him to become a midfielder like no other this season. Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life-stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to super-star professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

18. Kante

by Matt Oldfield

€8.40

The No.1 football series - over 1 million copies sold! N'Golo Kanté is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, but life hasn't always been easy for the Chelsea superstar. Growing up in the Paris suburbs, N'Golo had to work hard to overcome other people's doubts about his small stature and prove himself on the pitch. This is the story of the small boy from the streets of Paris who grew to be an essential member of any team he plays on. Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to superstar professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

19. Van Dijk

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

The No.1 football series - over 1 million copies sold! Virgil van Dijk is Liverpool FC's superstar centre-back and he's going from strength to strength. From washing dishes to pay his way during his early career to becoming one of the best defenders in the world, this is the story of how Virgil became a true Liverpool legend. Follow his journey as he fights adversity and works his way up to become an ultimate football hero. Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life-stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to super-star professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

20. Mbappe

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

The No.1 football series - over 1 million copies sold! Kylian Mbappe has the world at his feet. The young French striker's goals, skills and fearless attacking spirit earned him a £166 million transfer to French champions Paris Saint-Germain, to take on the best teams in Europe with new teammate Neymar. And at the 2018 World Cup, Kylian was the star player, his goals firing France to victory in the final. Now as a world champion, he has just one goal left - to become the best player ever. Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life-stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to super-star professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

21. Firmino

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

The No.1 football series - over 1 million copies sold! This is the story of Roberto Firmino, star of both Liverpool F.C and the Brazilian national team. Follow his exciting journey from his early days at Figueirense and Hoffenheim all the way to the bright lights of Anfield, where he has become a key part of Liverpool's Premier League success. Known for his energy, control and speed, Firmino has proven himself to be a real team player, always there to use his skills to help his team on the road to glory. Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to superstar professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

22. Ronaldo

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

Complete your collection with these limited Classic Football Heroes International editions - now with a bonus World Cup chapter! This is the rollercoaster story of how Ronaldo grew up to become a superstar striker for Brazil, Barcelona and Real Madrid. Struck down by illness on the day of the 1998 World Cup final, he showed world-class skill and determination to come back four years later and single-handedly destroy Germany in the 2002 final to prove, once and for all, that he was one of the greatest strikers ever.

23. Girls play too. Book 2 More inspiring stories of Irish sportswomen

by Jacqui Hurley

€11.99 €14.95

Irish sportswomen continue to make headlines! Whether it is Katie Taylor's continued dominance in the boxing ring, or Rachel Blackmore's phenomenal success in 2021 - as the leading jockey at Cheltenham and the first ever Grand National winner - Irish women are leading the way through their sporting achievements. Based on interviews with the featured athletes and fully illustrated in colour, the second volume of Girls Play Too continues from where the first book left off. Spoilt for choice, Jacqui's selection includes some of the most successful athletes to ever grace a GAA pitch, pioneering horse-racing jockeys, elite figures from the athletics circuit, stalwarts of the Irish football team, members of the hugely successful hockey team, and a host of figures who are excelling in their chosen codes. With her popular fairy-tale touch, RTÉ's Jacqui Hurley tells the real-life stories of women who have proved that gender is not a barrier to success. Each story in Girls Play Too is one of empowerment and overcoming adversity, and the role models celebrated here are sure to inspire the next generation of Irish sportswomen.

24. Mane

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

Meet Sadio Mané - Ultimate Football Hero Sadio Mané is one of Liverpool FC's 'Fab Four'. Along with Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Xherdan Shakiri, Sadio's goals have helped make Liverpool the deadliest attacking team in the Premier League. Since he moved to the Premier League, Sadio has been setting the bar to new heights - from scoring the fastest hat-trick in history to becoming the most expensive African footballer ever. There is no stopping the Fab Four, and the sky is the limit for Sadio Mané. Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to superstar professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

25. Ronaldo

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

Escaping the hot streets of Madeira, Ronaldo first proved himself as a wonder-kid at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, before becoming a legend for Real Madrid and Portugal. This is the story of how the gifted boy became a man, a team-player, and a soccer legend.

26. Gerrard

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

Rooney tells the action-packed story of one boy's journey from the streets of Croxteth to one of the biggest stages in world football. This heartwarming book tracks Wayne Rooney's fairytale rise from child superstar to Everton hero to Manchester United legend.

27. Bernard Dunne

by Bernard Dunne

€7.49 €9.99

How a little kid from Dublin became a world champion boxer. Bernard Dunne tells his own story in his own words: for children! Growing up in Neilstown, west Dublin, Bernard Dunne was always going to be a boxer. His Dad Brendan was an Olympic boxer in his day, and coached in the CIE club in Inchicore, and his two big brothers were skilled boxers too. As Bernard grew up boxing taught him to believe in himself and helped him to focus on goals both within the sport and in other parts of his life. Bernard won his first boxing bout, at the age of six and against a ten-year-old, and went on to win thirteen Irish championship titles. In this inspirational book, Bernard describes life as a boy in Neilstown, the ups and downs of his life and career, and the powerful life lessons and skills that sport can teach a child.

28. Neymar

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

The No.1 football series - over 1 million copies sold! 'As Neymar Jr made the long walk to the penalty spot, he knew this was his chance, the one that he had dreamed of since the age of three. If he scored, Brazil would be Olympic Champions for the first time ever.' Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior is the boy who carries the hopes of Brazil on his shoulders. Although he now faces a new challenge at Paris Saint-Germain, it was his years playing for Barcelona, in a fearsome attacking trident alongside Messi and Suarez, that made him a legend across the world. This is the heart-warming true story of Neymar's road to glory. Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life-stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to super-star professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

29. Zlatan

by Matt Oldfield

€8.39

The No.1 football series - over 1 million copies sold! 'With the TV cameras watching, Zlatan roared like a lion. It was his tenth league title in only twelve years but he never got tired of winning.' Zlatan follows the Swedish superstar on his amazing journey from the tough streets of Malmö to becoming the deadly striker at Manchester United. Along the way he has been a star for Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as becoming Sweden's all-time leading scorer. This is the story of one of a generation's finest footballers. Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life-stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to super-star professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

30. Football school star players

by Alex Bellos

€9.80

Get young fans dreaming big with this incredible collection of inspirational lives from the world of football. What made Pele the greatest player of all time? How did Harry Kane overcome the odds to win the Golden Boot? What is the secret behind Lionel Messi's outstanding success? And why is Megan Rapinoe so fearless in her beliefs? This collection of fifty biographies brings together the incredible true stories of the game's greatest legends who changed the world of football. Empowering and inspirational, this is the perfect book to get young fans dreaming big both on and off the pitch.

31. Fernandes

by Matt Oldfield

€7.49 €8.40

The No.1 football series - over 1 million copies sold! Since joining Manchester United in January 2020, Bruno Fernandes has set the Premier League alight. The versatile attacking midfielder has become a relentless and prolific goal-scorer, catapulting his team towards the top. Follow his brilliant journey from school drop-out to Europe's rising star. Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to superstar professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

32. Vardy

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

The No.1 football series - over 1 million copies sold! Born and raised in Sheffield, Vardy brightens football matches with his versatility, precision and energy. His 2012 move to Leicester City allowed the striker to prove his thrilling goalscoring and hard-working personality, where he helped the team to win the Championship. Follow the exciting journey of this award-winning striker from Stocksbridge Park Steels to winning the Premier League in 2016 and shining on the international stage. Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to superstar professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

33. Zidane

by Matt Oldfield

€6.59 €8.40

Meet Zindedine Zidane, Classic Football Hero. 'In the first minute, Zidane used his strength to hold off two Brazilian midfielders and then backheeled the ball cleverly between them. The France fans loved his tricks.' Zidane is the fantastic story of the boy who started off on the streets of Marseille and went on to win a World Cup with France, score a legendary volley to win the 2002 Champions League Final, and return to Real Madrid as manager. This is how the poor boy with the incredible talent went on to become the greatest player of his generation. Classic Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life-stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to super-star professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

34. Maradona

by Matt Oldfield

€8.39

Complete your collection with these limited Classic Football Heroes International editions - now with a bonus World Cup chapter! Diego Maradona is a true footballing legend, and arguably the greatest player ever. The Argentinian playmaker was renowned for his unbelievable skills and agility, as he effortlessly weaved his way up the pitch and through the opposition defence. Nicknamed 'The Golden Boy', Maradona earned ninety-one caps and scored thirty-one goals for his country, including in the 1986 World Cup where he captained his team to victory - scoring the two most famous goals of all time, against England, along the way!