Irish Life Stories

by Leo Varadkar

€24.99

Leo Varadkar shares his fascinating experience as Irish prime minister at a time of much change and turbulence, in this remarkably honest memoir. Leo Varadkar was an unlikely Taoiseach – the youngest on taking office in 2017, the first Taoiseach to be gay, and the first person of colour to be Taoiseach. Equally unlikely was his decision to bow out of politics in his mid-forties. Now, liberated from the constraints of office, he tells his fascinating story with characteristic courage and candour, and provides a unique insight into the formation and evolution of a senior politician. In Speaking My Mind Leo Varadkar shares his pride in helping to bring about transformational changes, such as marriage equality. He describes experiences that only a prime minister could have – speaking frankly to Pope Francis on the legacy of church abuses, connecting with Barack Obama about both being the ‘tall, dark guy with the funny name’, navigating challenges such as the pandemic and the fallout from Brexit. And he writes honestly about the costs that go with the immense privilege of holding high office. Speaking My Mind is a revealing, intimate and important memoir from a singular public figure.

by Harry Barry

€16.99

Beneath the Surface is the powerful and deeply human memoir from No.1 bestselling author and renowned mental health advocate Dr. Harry Barry. In this moving life story, Dr. Barry pulls back the curtain on the moments that shaped from a sometimes lonely childhood to the challenges of a lifelong career in medicine. With honesty, warmth, and wisdom, he shares unforgettable stories: studying in University College Dublin in the 1970s, working in a remote Tanzanian hospital with his young family, and years spent on the frontlines of general practice in Ireland. Along the way, he uncovers a truth that connects us all-the inextricable link between mind, body, and emotion. More than a memoir, Beneath the Surface is a journey of resilience, healing, and purpose. It's a reminder that when we embrace vulnerability, connection, and compassion, we discover who we truly are and how to live with meaning. Beneath the Surface is the compelling account of one man's life, which shows us how, by opening ourselves to connection, learning, and love, we can all live with a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other.

by Bláthnaid Raleigh

€15.99

In July 2019, Bláthnaid Raleigh travelled from Mullingar to Galway to join in the festivities of the Galway Arts Festivals. She and her friends found themselves in the company of another group from Mullingar. The hours went by as pub gave way to afterparty in a nearby house. There, this night like any other took the most sinister of turns when Jonathan Moran raped Bláthnaid. Back in their hometown, Bláthnaid would spend the next five years living with the effects; her attacker, unable to be identified for legal reasons, continued his life working, socialising and playing rugby. Meanwhile, Bláthnaid's brother quietly left Mullingar Rugby Club because of Moran, suffering abuse from former clubmates for transferring and even having to face off against his sister's rapist in a match. Aftermath is the story of the impact rape had on Bláthnaid's life and the wider effects on her family and community. It is also testimony to one woman's determination not to allow the actions of one predator define her life.

by Matt Cooper

€21.99

The real story behind Dunnes Stores, the most quintessentially Irish shop of all, and the family drama behind it This is the story of the extraordinary family behind one of Ireland's most famous businesses, Dunnes Stores, over three generations and covering nearly 80 years of retailing but going back as far as the 19th century. With drama worthy of the popular TV drama Succession, a real-life Irish family drama shows the children of a dominant founder argue as to who should run the supermarket empire after his death and take the money from it, and how they dealt or not, with addictions and ill health, including alcoholism.

by Fergus Farrell

€17.99

When Fergus Farrell suffered a spinal cord injury in October 2018, doctors gave him a zero per cent chance of walking again. What followed was a journey marked by an overwhelming sense of failure and unimaginable lows- including battling depression, losing his marriage and losing his business. But Fergus refused to give up. And slowly he began to rebuild his body, his life and his concept of what it means to be a man. One year after his injury, Fergus walked 206km across Ireland - a milestone that was just the beginning. From his attempted row across the wild north Atlantic to raising awareness for spinal cord injury research, Fergus turned pain into purpose and setbacks into inspiration. Fergus's story is more than one of recovery; it's about rediscovering who you are when everything is stripped away. Rebuilding a Man is a powerful reminder that even life's toughest challenges can lead to its greatest victories.

by Michael Flynn

€15.99

This is the inspiring story of Michael Flynn, a struggling furniture salesman from Pearse Street, who reinvented himself to become one of Ireland's most beloved national figures. Starting with Mick's formative years growing up in Dublin where he faced the challenges of being an inner-city kid. Despite these struggles, he had the unwavering support of his tight-knit community. As we journey through Mick's life, we gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the Mattress Mick persona. We learn about his close bond with his family and his generosity in giving back to the communities. Even when Mick lost everything and faced bankruptcy, his relentless determination and a little unconventional thinking outside the box (or bed!) helped him bounce back from the brink, literally. This inspiring, touching and heartwarming tale will resonate with anyone who has or is going through hard times. It's a testament to never giving up, no matter what life throws your way.

by Jackie McCarthy O'Brien

€16.99

'Compelling, heartfelt and inspiring. I found this book so real, so honest. It has taught me about drive, ambition, persistence and love. And what it means to be really Irish! A triumphant story of achievement in a world made for men!' – Katriona O'Sullivan, author of Poor Jackie McCarthy O'Brien has led a truly remarkable life, from being born in 1961 to an Irish mother and Jamaican father (whom she never met) in Birmingham to growing up in Limerick. She was put in an industrial school as a baby by a priest for being an "illegitimate" Black child and not recovered by her mother until she was five. As a teen she excelled at sport and played for Ireland in soccer, but when she was sexually harassed by a coach she changed to the Irish rugby team. She got married at 21 before accepting her sexual feelings for women and leaving the marriage with her three young children. Always a hilarious raconteur, this memoir tells her extraordinary story up to becoming a TikTok star and LGBTQ+ icon in her sixties.

by Emma Fogarty

€15.99

Born with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare and excruciatingly painful condition that makes her skin as fragile as butterfly wings, Emma Fogarty was not expected to survive infancy. Today, at 41 years of age, she is the oldest living Irish person with the condition, continuing to defy the odds with extraordinary strength, resilience and remarkable achievements. Every accomplishment comes with its own set of obstacles. EB is a cruel disease which causes her skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch. She can no longer walk, and she lost the use of her fingers when they fused together. Her bandages must be changed every two days, an agonising process which takes hours. Emma’s daily life is a battle against debilitating pain — yet she embraces every moment with fierce positivity and determination. In 2024, she took part in the Dublin Marathon alongside her close friend Colin Farrell to mark her 40th birthday, raising over €1 million for DEBRA Ireland. Emma’s skin may be fragile, but her spirit is unbreakable — shattering every expectation and lighting the way for everyone who dares to dream beyond their circumstances.

by Ciarán Murphy

€16.99

Hurling is Ireland’s national game – a source of fascination and pride, even to people who have never played it. Ciarán Murphy, a lifelong club footballer, used to be one of those people. Then he spent a summer trying to play hurling with a tiny club in the West Waterford Gaeltacht. Along the way he embarked on a quest to understand the history, geography and mystique of this extraordinary sport. Old Parish is the club of Ciarán’s father, a club where relatives of his are still deeply involved, and possibly the only place brave (or stupid) enough to take on a forty-one-year-old newcomer to the game. Predictably (and at times hilariously), Ciarán finds out just how difficult a sport hurling is to pick up when you’re in your sporting dotage, up against men who’ve played it since childhood. Ciarán also explores why hurling is played in only half the country; he investigates the origins of hurling clubs’ antipathy to football and the difficulties of establishing hurling in new areas; he looks into the mysteries of hurley-making; and he seeks to understand why, when a hurling legend refers to the sport as ‘the greatest game ever played by any man’, he has to be taken seriously. Anyone who has ever watched hurling knows that it is something unique and extraordinary. Old Parish explains why.

by Conor Murray

€21.99

No matter how these things are judged—longevity, impact or silverware—Conor Murray has more than earned his place in the pantheon of Irish rugby gods. Both at Thomond Park and on the international stage, Murray has stood out even whilst surrounded by other Ireland and Munster names who will themselves go down in history. As a Munster player, Murray has two United Rugby Championship titles to his name and his performances since his debut in 2010 saw Murray also selected in the World Rugby Men’s 15 Team of the Decade, 2010–2019. First capped for his country all the way back in 2011 with his debut showing against France, the Munster scrum-half has also been at the heart of Ireland’s astonishing success in the years since. With 5 Six Nations titles including 2 Grand Slams and well over 100 caps for Ireland — as well as being a 3-time tourist with the British & Irish Lions amassing 8 test caps along the way — Murray has seen it all, played them all, fought back from injury, enjoying huge victories and suffering devastating losses. And now, having announced he is retiring from international rugby, he is telling his own unique story in his own unique way. A hugely respected and revered figure across the world of rugby, and Irish sport in particular, Murray is leaving no stone unturned as he describes the ups and downs, the mental and physical challenges and the fun he had during a rugby career that will forever be regarded as competitive and captivating.

by Andrew Porter

€21.99

With a foreword by Richie Sadlier From the heartbreak of losing his mother to breast cancer at just 12 years old, to facing mental health challenges throughout his teens, Andrew Porter's journey is one of extraordinary resilience. In this deeply personal and inspiring memoir, the Irish rugby star opens up about the experiences that shaped him – on and off the pitch. With honesty and heart, Andrew shares how rugby became his lifeline, guiding him from the gym floor to the world stage. He reflects on the emotional highs and lows of his career – earning 75 caps for Ireland, winning three Six Nations titles, and becoming one of the sport’s most respected figures. Heart on My Sleeve is more than a story of athletic triumph; it’s a testament to perseverance, vulnerability, and the strength of the human spirit.

by Frank McNally

€18.99

You could say that Frank McNally is a travel writer - he writes while the world travels by! For almost twenty years, Frank's name has occupied the byline of the ever-present and perennially entertaining 'Irishman's (or woman's) Diary' (now called 'An Irish Diary' online) column in the Irish Times. Now, from the same desk, the man who has consistently held his finger on the pulse of a nation, turns his attention inwards and gathers his thoughts into a profound narrative of great depth. Picking up on a variety of personal themes which have featured in his column in part or in whole over the years, the book is at once a cohesive reflection on Frank's upbringing in Monaghan, his early career as a civil servant and his eventual foray into journalism, but also covers significant events which have shaped him and the Ireland which he has chronicled with such consistently brilliant perception and wit.

by Miriam O'Callaghan

€24.99

I started writing this book as an exclusively work memoir, but the work and the personal kept overlapping. I don’t know if that’s because I’m a woman or a mother or both — or none of those reasons. I just know that for my story to be authentic and truthful, I couldn’t simply focus on the work side of my life. Miriam O'Callaghan is one of Ireland's best-known broadcasters, covering every election, referendum, major controversy, and important public event for TV, while also hosting an award-winning radio show. Combining career success, high-octane glamour, and motherhood to eight children makes her a truly unique figure in Irish public life. In her absorbing memoir, Miriam shares touching stories from her personal life — from the life-changing impact of losing her beloved sister and father in a matter of months, and the end of her first marriage that same year, to the joys and challenges of bringing eight children into the world and juggling a frenetically busy life (“give up on perfection” is her wise advice!). Miriam includes fascinating insights into a career that has given her a ringside seat to a changing Ireland. Like attending Bobby Sands’ wake even before she was a journalist, and life coming full circle when she championed John Hume to be declared the greatest figure in Irish history. She describes extraordinary debates, important and heart-breaking conversations with people in the eye of a media storm, and how she prepares for and conducts the big interviews — as well as what happens when things go wrong. Miriam also addresses the recent RTÉ controversies that cast a shadow over its high-profile presenters, not least herself.

by Suzy Byrne

€23.99

Dear Gay was an instant bestseller when it was published in 2023. PS Gay brings readers more letters and memories from the listeners of Ireland's most iconic radio show. PS Gay reflects the very fabric of our society from the lighter watercooler moments that had us all talking, to personal stories that stopped us in our tracks. Remember the uproar over Dick's affair in Glenroe and the nationwide protest about the decision by Switzer's department store to remove the Christmas gnomes from the window. There are accounts of the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis, the divorce referendum and heartbreaking experiences of abortion. Most importantly, there are the stories of the lives of everyday superwomen who wrote into the show to share their experiences, Gay Byrne acting as ringmaster skilfully capturing what mattered to them. Nostalgic for times that seemed simpler than they are today, and a reminder of how far we have come.

by Michael P. Harding

€19.99

A stunning meditation on the season of winter from bestselling author Michael Harding. On frosty nights, as he sits by a flickering fire, Michael Harding withdraws into the stillness of winter and begins to reckon with age and death. As stories emerge from the shadows, we meet a young boy whose arrival brings hope, but whose journey will know winter's path. November is a rainstorm, December a bleak twilight, but as January dawns and the ice thaws, the fragile light of love penetrates the dark, bringing beauty to the earth and making new beginnings possible. In writing of shadowed beauty, Midwinter is a poignant exploration of a season of loss, and the glimpses of hope that can follow even the longest nights.

by Alice Taylor

€17.99

As we go through life we weather many storms. We lose family members, close friends and animals we love, and they take with them the warmth and shared memories of many years. Alice discovered recently that the loss of a much-loved tree, planted before she was born, caused an emotional upheaval she had not anticipated. With the loss of her favourite tree that had enriched her life for decades, she began to ask herself: are there ways to make later life rich and interesting? How do you make growing older a good time in life? She has no answers, only a story to be shared.

by Randal Plunkett

€19.99

'Randal's voice dares to diverge in a world built on conformity and tradition. I genuinely revelled in every moment. This book is raw, heartfelt, brave and just utterly alive' - Seán Ronayne, author of Nature Boy At the age of 28, Randal Plunkett inherited the title of Baron Dunsany, alongside Dunsany Castle and the 1,600-acre estate and found himself at a crossroads. A reluctant aristocrat, he now lets nature run wild on grounds his ancestors farmed for centuries. What Randal had was a vision of Dunsany given back to nature. A memoir-with-a-message, Wild Thing showcases how this poisoned chalice - a cold, leaky, needy castle, with all the responsibilities to the generations before - inspired a personal journey toward fulfilment, a vital mission toward a better, more sustainable, future, and a call to arms for the environment, and the people who live in it.

by Stephen Travers

€17.95

Stephen Travers has lived two lives. His first was as a young bass player, immersed in music, friendship, and the thrill of gigs on the road with the Miami Showband. But on July 31, 1975, that life shattered on the A1 road at Buskhill in County Down when a Loyalist gang ambushed the band, murdering three of his friends in an attack that would become one of the darkest moments of The Troubles. In the quiet aftermath, in a nearby field, Stephen awoke to his second life - as a survivor. This second life led him down unexpected paths: as an author, composer, producer, and international speaker on peace and reconciliation. Over decades, he worked to support other survivors, challenge suspected state collusion, and seek justice in a landmark case against the British Ministry of Defence. Yet, despite these achievements, Stephen found himself drawn back to that field, revisiting the young man he had been moments before the massacre - searching for closure, a reunion with his former self.  Now, fifty years later, he has written The Bass Player, a love letter and eulogy for that first life. This book is both a deeply personal reckoning and a song for all those silenced by conflict, offering a path toward healing and, finally, peace.

by Stephen Walker

€25.99

David Trimble was one of the most influential figures in modern British and Irish history. A Nobel Laureate, he negotiated the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 that helped to secure peace in Northern Ireland. In this first biography to chart Trimble's life and death, award-winning journalist Stephen Walker vividly details how this shy Belfast academic changed the political landscape of Northern Ireland. With the cooperation of the Trimble family, Peacemaker offers unparalleled insights into the life of a history maker: the first person to be elected First Minister of Northern Ireland and the last Ulster unionist to hold that title. Using interviews with his widow Lady Trimble and their grown-up children, the book colourfully charts Trimble's story from the County Down city of Bangor, through the divisive world of unionist politics, to his crowning moment at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo. It is a tale of how the leaders of unionism and nationalism worked together to end decades of violence to compromise and share power.

by Johnny Sexton

€11.99

'Sexton will go down as Ireland's greatest ever player' Gordon D'Arcy, Irish Times No Irish rugby player has ever achieved more, or been a source of more inspiration to teammates and fans alike, than Johnny Sexton. In his hotly anticipated autobiography, Johnny tells the story of his life and explores the sources of his unmatched will to win. The Sexton era was marked by four European Cups, four Six Nations championships (including two Grand Slams), a series win in New Zealand, two stints for Ireland at number 1 in the world, and the World Player of the Year award. Always outspoken on and off the field, Sexton offers an honest look at his childhood, his seemingly inauspicious early experiences in club and professional rugby, his relationships with key teammates and coaches (including Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell, Ronan O'Gara, Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell), and his ideas about the game. Obsessed is more than just a brilliantly detailed account of a legendary playing career. It is also a work of deep self-exploration, tracing the psychological arc of a player who almost always felt embattled, who struggled with self-doubt, and who was still learning new lessons about being a team-mate and a leader into his late thirties. Intense, witty, perceptive and frank, Obsessed is an autobiography worthy of its author and the essential chronicle of an extraordinary era in Irish rugby. 'The best ever Irish player to play the game' Andy Farrell 'Sexton is on that rarefied plane of athlete where even his mere presence can feel quietly decisive.' Jonathan Liew, Guardian

by Conor Niland

€11.99

The Racket is the story of pro tennis's 99%: the players who roam the globe in hope of climbing the rankings and squeaking into the Grand Slam tournaments. It brings us into a world where a few dozen super-rich players - travelling with coaches and physios - share a stage with lonely touring pros whose earnings barely cover their expenses. Painting a vivid picture of the social dynamics on tour, the economics of the game, and the shadows cast by gambling and doping, The Racket is a witty and revealing underdog's memoir and a unique look inside a fascinating hidden world.

by Vogue Williams

€14.99

"Like hanging with your funniest, sunniest, most sound, wise friend. " - Marian KeyesEverything good, bad and downright mad that has shaped Vogue's life and career is laid bare in Big Mouth.So get ready for sharply observed, hilarious and very personal insights into divorce, anxiety, family life, and showbiz, alongside important life lessons, such as how to sellotape a bottle of vodka to your inner thigh on a night out and why you should never be friends with a celebrity.Growing up in her beloved Howth, a seaside town in Co Dublin, Vogue's life had its ups and downs. Her parents separated when she was five, a time in Ireland when priests were still ranting against broken marriages from the pulpit. Bouncing between the routine of her mum Sandra's house and the pub for a few years (her dad, Freddie, was 'fond of the drink'), everything changed overnight when Sandra (a complete ride) met Scottish businessman Neil and they moved to the big house on the cliff.In the school halls of Santa Sabina, Vogue made friends for life and spent her teenage years hanging out around off-licences, playing Beat the Slapper and getting kicked out of home. After school, she was packed off to Aberdeen by Neil to begin her short career as a builder but soon jacked it in when she was cast in reality TV show Fade Street.What follows is a behind-the-scenes peek at a rollercoaster life full of highs, lows, marriages, mistakes, misdemeanors and triumphs. Loudly, Vogue tells her whole story, moles and all, for the first time in this candid and funny dive into her hyperactive life.

by Bono

€12.99

An updated and abridged edition of Bono's bestselling memoir, including a new introduction by the author, Stories of Surrender is an unforgettable love story, a tribute to fatherhood, friendship, faith and music. Honest, irreverent, and intimate, it's a backstage pass to a frontman's remarkable life, from Bono's childhood in Dublin to the rise of U2. A companion to the Apple Original Film of his critically acclaimed solo theatre show, Stories of Surrender is a luminous autobiography of one of the great voices of our time. Bono: Stories of Surrender, An Apple Original Film is streaming on Apple TV+ this May. 'Bono - the guy that wants to save the world. One of the Dubliners. Rock star poet. Lovable rogue. You have to appreciate his commitment to social causes - always pushing for change, always trying to fix things. Good for him. Most people don't even bother. Trying to change the world and maybe transcend it. Singing for a world too obsessed with noise to listen. Searching for redemption like all of us are - and he seems to be aware of the depths of that search. He knows the distance between the soul and the public square. He's got guts that guy. Bravo Bono.' Bob Dylan 'A brilliant, very funny, very revealing, autobiography-through-music. Maybe the best book ever written about being a rockstar.' Caitlin Moran 'Surrender is a rich and honest book, rich because of its honesty. If you want to know the man behind the shades, read this book. He's worth getting to know.' Salman Rushdie

by Bernard Phelan

€12.99

NOW WITH AN UPDATED FOREWORD AND ADDITIONAL CONTENT 'An affirmation of the power of love, kindness, courage and human resilience' - Lara Marlowe, author of Love in a Time of War Bernard Phelan was working for an Iranian tour operator when he was arrested on false charges of spying on 3rd October 2022, becoming a political hostage. He shared "Satan's block" in Mashhad prison with political prisoners and drug traffickers - and condemned inmates awaiting execution. He was released from prison in May 2023 after being held hostage for seven months. Bernard Phelan grew up in Stillorgan, Dublin and lives in Paris with his husband.

by Eimear Ní Bhraonáin

€16.99

There was a time when DJ Carey didn’t need a surname. The star player of a Kilkenny hurling team that dominated the sport for a decade, he had a rare, natural talent that led his county to five All Ireland titles and won him nine All Stars. DJ wasn’t just a hero on the pitch - his easy charm, generosity, and readiness to meet young fans made him a national treasure. Throughout his meteoric rise, strange rumours followed him. In 2003, shocking claims that DJ was dying of cancer swept the country. Who would spread such a story about one of Ireland’s most beloved sporting legends? And what could possibly be gained from it? Two decades later, the truth emerged. DJ Carey was arrested and charged with deception and forgery - accused of faking cancer to con money from those who trusted him most. For years, he had been telling the same lie to generous supporters who believed they were funding life-saving treatment in the U.S. In this riveting exposé, Eimear Ní Bhraonáin uncovers the extraordinary fall from grace of a national icon, and how he betrayed the fans that once loved him.

by Seamus O'Rourke

€15.99

In the sequel to Seamus O'Rourke's popular first memoir, Standing in Gaps, this innocent Leitrim lad finally flees the nest, briefly sampling life in New York, Dublin and London - before inevitably returning to his beloved, duller than dishwater existence at home - a life which now includes alcohol, Doctor Hook and some low-budget romance. But man does not live on romance alone and Seamus needs to get to the bottom of his general uselessness, spurred on as always by his ever-the-realist father, who prophesised his mediocrity from an early age. Seamus continues to underachieve whilst struggling to interpret his auld lad's advice and watered-down compliments - 'You weren't as bad as I often saw ya', 'They must be badly stuck, if they asked you', and the classic 'What kind of an eejit are ya?' - all while capturing the innocence and the absurdity of rural life in 1980s and 1990s Ireland. As always, O'Rourke finds diamond-tipped-needles in bales of really bad hay, providing more laughter and stories of mayhem for fans. 'A gifted actor, writer and storyteller produces a memoir that is simply - gifted' Joe Duffy

by David Gillick

€19.99

The Race offers an exhilarating, behind-the-scenes look at the cut-throat world of elite athletics. With vivid recall, David Gillick, one of Ireland’s most celebrated 400m sprinters, describes the sacrifices, triumphs and devastating setbacks that define a life spent chasing greatness. From the punishing grind of training camps to the mental anguish of injuries and the darker side of athletics, this memoir captures the intensity of a career defined by fractions of a second. As an Irish athlete competing against the odds, Gillick recalls the unique challenges of representing a small nation: limited resources, enormous expectations and the constant push to prove you belong among the world’s best. But The Race is more than a story of sport. It’s an exploration of human resilience and the fight to find balance in a life consumed by the pursuit of perfection. It’s about enduring heartbreak, overcoming burnout and discovering who you are when the race is over.

by Seamus O'Rourke

€13.99

'We hadn't a clue 'til we got the telly and then we wanted to be like Dallas. We were never happy, that we knew of. We were always longing for something else, so we kept doing the same. What we wouldn't do to go back and give ourselves a good boot up the backside.'   When actor, playwright and comedian Seamus O'Rourke first published Standing in Gaps in 2020 it found a wide audience amongst readers in rural Ireland. With a distinct talent for seeing the absurd in the ordinary, mundane lives of people who 'had nothing better to be at' and making it hilarious, Standing in Gaps manages to turn back time and transport the reader to a place where everything moved slowly - and in the Leitrim of the '60s, '70s and '80s, that means really slowly. In this memoir about family, people and time, O'Rourke finds diamond-tipped-needles in bales of really bad hay, providing laughter and stories of mayhem for his many fans.

by Michael P. Harding

€12.99

"Harding's prose style is fluid and fluent... unflinching, merciless honesty." — Sunday Independent To mark his 70th birthday, Michael Harding travelled to Spain to walk part of the Camino de Santiago . But as he set off on his pilgrimage, he realised he wasn’t alone. Accompanying him was the ghost of his long-dead father—a distant, aloof figure whom he lost at the age of twenty-two. With searing honesty and beautifully crafted prose, Harding explores how this man, gone nearly half a century, could still cast such a long shadow over his life. From the Ireland of his youth to the moment of his father’s death, and to the holy wells and pubs he later visited in a search for connection, I Loved Him From the Day He Died is a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the desire to understand those we lose too soon. This deeply personal memoir is a moving meditation on forgiveness, healing, and letting go—told with Harding’s signature vulnerability and profound insight. Praise for Michael Harding’s books: "Hilarious and tender... beautifully written." —Kevin Barry "A beautiful book of great tenderness, love of life, and wisdom." —Joseph O’Connor "Compelling." — Sunday Times

by Katriona O'Sullivan

€10.99

EASON FAVOURITE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023 The No. 1 Bestseller, Biography of the Year, Irish Book Awards 2023 The Last Word Listeners' Choice Award, Irish Book Awards 2023 "One of the best [books] I have read about the complexities of poverty... one of the most remarkable people you will ever meet" – Guardian Like young girls everywhere, Katriona O'Sullivan grew up bright, enthusiastic, and curious. But she was also surrounded by abject poverty and chaos, and after becoming pregnant and homeless at 15, she spent five years barely surviving. Today, Katriona is an award-winning academic whose work explores barriers to education for girls like her. In Poor by Katriona O'Sullivan , she shares what set her on this unexpected path: the mentors and supporters who truly saw her. Teachers who showed her how to wash in the school toilets or visited her home to convince her to sit at least one GCSE exam. A community worker who encouraged her to apply for training schemes. A friend who introduced her to Trinity College’s access program while she was a cleaner. Simple acts that helped her turn her life around. Told with warmth, clarity, and compassion—for her parents, her younger self, and others— Poor is both a powerful personal testimony and an impassioned plea for the future of our children. Praise for Poor and Katriona O’Sullivan: "Powerful—Katriona is a legend." —Barry Keoghan "Raw, passionate, and resolutely honest—I’ll never forget it." —Annie Mac "Full of insight... so important." —Fi Glover, Times Radio "I read Poor in one sitting. It’s compelling, moving, uplifting, brave, heroic." —Nuala McGovern, Woman’s Hour , BBC Radio Four "Moving, funny, brave, and original—absolutely incredible." —Róisín Ingle, Irish Times Women’s Podcast "One of the books of the year." —Patrick Kielty, Late Late Show , RTÉ One "One of the most important books I have ever read—a beautiful story of determination despite the odds." —Lynn Ruane, Irish Times "Fearless, funny, and searingly honest." —Adil Ray OBE "Raw and remarkable." — Irish Independent "A book of empowerment and hope." —Patricia Scanlan "Remarkable... a vivid retelling of Katriona flourishing, despite her beginnings." —BBC News West Midlands

by Niall Harbison

€14.99

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES AND IRISH TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER.THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER._Hope taught me the meaning of life, Tina taught me the meaning of love. It's not everyday you meet a golden retriever in Thailand.When Niall came across a dog shackled to a short chain and in a poor state of health something reminded him of his personal battle with addiction. He knew he had to rescue her immediately - golden retrievers are rare in Thailand - but there was just something about this dog in particular that told him she was destined for more.He named her Tina, and what she did next is an incredible tale of survival, hope and love. Despite her terrible treatment at the hands of humans, she refused to distrust them or feel sorry for herself, and only opened her heart wider - always with a grin (yes dogs can smile) and a reassuring wag of her shaggy yellow tail.From the minute Tina was free of her chains, she got on with what needed to be done, inspiring a dog hospital to be built and named after her and helping dogs from all over the world - whether they're street dogs from Thailand or rescue pups in Montana. The movement behind Tina has not stopped.This is her story.

by Niall Harbison

€13.05

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER Most people think I save dogs, but really they saved me. Niall Harbison is a dog hero based in Thailand. He spends his days feeding, caring for and rescuing the many street dogs he comes across. With every rescue there's a story. Like the sweet gentle McMuffin who was found with many tumours and hours from death, only to be nursed back to health. She now lives with Niall and is a popular member of the pack. Then there is King Whacker - who escaped a vicious attack and is now ruling the nest living up to his name as the king of the all good dogs. And who could resist the puppy eyes of little Rodney, the beautiful dog with big paws who is melting millions of hearts around the world.Originally from Dublin, Niall was the owner of a successful advertising company. After selling it, he moved to Thailand where his addictions - drugs and alcohol - almost got the better of him. One day he woke up in hospital, close to death, and realised that something had to change. And that was what spurred him on to start saving and helping street dogs. His aim is to help 10,000 street dogs.This is his story.

by Geraldine Osborne

€19.99

In 1989, Irish doctor Geraldine Osborne, her artist husband Danny, and their three young children-ages five, two, and one-embarked on an extraordinary adventure: to spend a year living in one of the most isolated parts of the world, the tiny Inuit settlement of Grise Fiord, over a thousand kilometres above the Arctic Circle. Danny wasn't a stranger to Arctic extremes. In 1981, he took part in the first Irish Arctic Expedition. But his urge to reconnect with the Arctic never left-and in 1989, he convinced Geraldine to pack up their young family to spend the dark winter at temperatures below -40 °C living in this northernmost community of Canada while training their dog team and preparing for a perilous dog-sledge journey across the frozen sea to retrace the route of the last Inuit migration to Greenland in the following spring. Written with warmth, humour, and unflinching honesty, Somewhere Cold explores their remarkable year in the High Arctic as Geraldine balances maternal instincts to protect her children from hazards with the desire to embrace this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Along the way, they form deep connections with the local Inuit community, who share their traditional knowledge, country food, and exceptional resilience.  A compelling blend of travel narrative, family memoir and cultural observation, richly illustrated with photographs, Somewhere Cold is about pushing boundaries, embracing the unknown and discovering that sometimes the most valuable lessons come from unexpected places. Insights into contemporary Nunavut life have recently hit the headlines via the Netflix Show North of North, and Somewhere Cold portrays an equally engaging period when Inuit life was still in transition.

by Ciarán Murphy

€12.76

A provocative look at how grassroots GAA interacts with life in Ireland, from the wittiest Gaelic games pundit at work today The GAA is Ireland's largest civil society organisation, woven into the fabric of families and communities - and yet most books about Gaelic games focus on the greatest players and inter-county teams. This is the Life is a book about the 99%: a witty and provocative look at grassroots GAA from the most intelligent and interesting Gaelic games pundit at work today. Ciarán Murphy - of Second Captains and the Irish Times - has an unmatched feel for the timeless elements of this world and a finger on the pulse of change. He looks at the plight of rural clubs that are losing their players to the cities - and he does so not only as a journalist but as a footballer who made the same move himself. He writes about working as an assistant in the clothing shop owned by the family of Jarlath Fallon - both Ciarán's sporting hero and the local postman. And he looks a things we usually prefer not to talk about, like the role of social class in the GAA. This is the Life is a book about the places the GAA comes from, the places it can take a person, and the things that make a local club worth fighting for. 'There is a deep understanding of the way the GAA works at every level … a brilliant read from start to finish' Paul Rouse, The Irish Examiner

by Keith Donald

€18.95

  Music and Mayhem charts the immersive and explosive life of one of Ireland's most important musicians, and the golden decade of Irish music he was at the very centre of.  Keith Donald's story begins in Unionist east Belfast, hurtling through vivid memories of a childhood as a musical prodigy, first performing at the BBC aged ten. His story takes him to the classics department of Trinity College Dublin in the early 60s, a hotbed of new ideas, before he becomes enveloped in the beauty of tenor sax. Jazz clubs by night and studying classics by day, Donald soon felt the early onset alcohol addiction, fueld by childhood PTSD. From university he joined the booming showband scene with The Federals in Belfast and The Greenbeats in Dublin, touring the dancehalls and marquees of the Irish country.  The 70s saw Donald building a music career in Dublin and Europe, coping with addiction, a crumbling marriage, and forging a separate life as a qualified social worker. It was the 1980s however, when his greatest breakthrough came to pass withthe formation of the Celtic rock supergroup Moving Hearts. With the Hearts Donald was manager, star performer and inspiration, alongside bandmates including Christy Moore and Donal Lunny. Their fusion of jazz, rock and traditional music created the soundtrack of an era and paved the way for a generation of Irish musicians. 

by Austin Stack

€16.99

In 1983 an off-duty prison officer was shot by the IRA in cold blood on a Dublin street. Over 40 years later, no one has been convicted of his murder. In this book, his son outlines why justice must be done. Brian Stack was the chief prison officer working on the IRA wing of Portlaoise Prison in 1983. He was also a fan of amateur boxing, and had travelled to see a match in Dublin in March of that year. After the match, he was shot outside the venue by an IRA gunman, leaving him paralysed and brain damaged. Brian survived the attack but succumbed to his injuries within 18 months, leaving a wife and three young sons. Austin Stack was 14 when his father passed away, but he has never forgotten him nor has he ever given up hope of bringing his murderers to justice. Over the years, he has held secret talks with Gerry Adams and members of the IRA, but to date no one has been convicted of the crime. This book is an account of a son's ongoing quest for justice, and his determination to set the record straight.

by Gary Lightbody

€16.99

'The pages sing in this beautiful book.' Bono'Moving and lyrical, The Forest is the Path is an imaginative and deeply personal journey of self-discovery.' The Irish TimesYou're falling through time so all I can do is fall with you.The numbness had set in long before I sat at your bedside. But even with senses impaired as the flight touches down at Belfast City I can somehow still feel the screeching of wheels on tarmac scorching something deep into me. Gary Lightbody's phenomenal companion to Snow Patrol's No.1 Album of the same name is a remarkable work of narrative writing.The Forest is the Path explores some of the main themes of the album; time, home, love, death and life, and serves as a prequel to the record, telling the story of his dad Jack's death. It tracks the journey he went on - a journey whose end seemed to unlock a part of Gary that had been dormant until he started to write songs again.This is the book that emerged from that time. '[An] astoundingly poetic book' - Pandora Sykes'Raw…and extraordinary.' - Nihal Arthanayake'Lightbody's propose is fluid and unflinchingly honest' - The Irish Times'Absolutely beautiful.' Audrey Carville'I have both cried and laughed reading this book. It is beautiful.' - Muireann O'Connell

by Eoghan Murphy

€22.19

A wonderfully engaging, honest and witty portrait of the humiliations, idealism, nobility and banality of democratic life' - Rory Stewart, author of Politics on the Edge' Wryly self-deprecating, but also informative and illuminating' - Matt Cooper As Ireland's Minister for Housing, Eoghan Murphy took on one of the toughest brief in government, one that continues to be a challenge today. Looking back at his life in the build-up to parliamentary office and at his time in the cabinet, Eoghan brings a self-lacerating and deeply personal view of the life of a modern politician trying - and often failing - to make the positive change he hoped to deliver. Brutal and sometimes harrowing, Eoghan's tale is also surprisingly funny, though the humour is only ever at the author's expense. If, in the end, all political careers end in failure, why didn't anyone tell the author that? There are no heroes or villains here, just a person facing their own limitations as they navigate the unfamiliar world of campaigns, elected office and government responsibility. Bringing refreshing candour to the pressures and absurdity of politics, this book shows us who our politicians really are when there's nothing left to spin and no one there to spin it to.

by Marie Cassidy

€12.76

The Number One bestselling memoir from Ireland's former state pathologist In 1997, Dr Marie Cassidy arrived in Dublin from Glasgow. There to discuss a possible deputy state pathologist post with Professor John Harbison, instead she was whisked by police escort to a Grangegorman murder scene. There was no turning back. She became Ireland's State Pathologist from 2004 until 2018, her image synonymous with breaking news of high-profile cases - a trusted figure in turbulent times. Here, with the scalpel-like precision and calm authority of her trade, Marie shares her remarkable personal journey from working-class Scotland into the world of forensic pathology, describing in candid detail the intricate processes central to solving modern crime. She recounts her work following the tragic deaths of Rachel O'Reilly, Siobhan Kearney, Robert Holohan, Tom O'Gorman and others - along with the Stardust exhumations and lesser known cases from her long career - outlining the subtle methods by which pathology and the justice system meet. Beyond the Tape is a unique behind-the-scenes journey into the mysteries of unexplained and sudden death - by turns poignant, stark and deeply compelling.

by Marian Broderick

€14.99

From every county in Ireland Bold, Brilliant & Bad draws together the stories of over 120 amazing Irish women. Marian Broderick is back to explore the histories of remarkable Irish Women in history. From creative craftswomen to singing sensations, poets to sporting champions.  From Lilian Bland to Maeve Binchy and from Anne O'Brien to Professor Sheila Tinney, these women paved the way for the future and made massive changes in their various fields. Meet the women from history who went against the grain and challenged the expectations of the world. There were and are a force to be reckoned with.  

by Marian Broderick

€13.49

From patriots to pirates, warriors to writers, and mistresses to male impersonators, this book looks at the unorthodox lives of inspiring Irish women. In times when women were expected to marry and have children, they travelled the world and sought out adventures; in times when women were expected to be seen and not heard, they spoke out in loud voices against oppression; in times when women were expected to have no interest in politics, literature, art, or the world outside the home, they used every creative means available to give expression to their thoughts, ideas and beliefs. In a series of succinct and often amusing biographies, Marian Broderick tells the life stories of these exceptional Irish women.

by Robert Sheehan

€19.99

From Robert Sheehan, star of Misfits and The Umbrella Academy, and host of hit podcast The Earth Locker, comes a heartfelt journey to inner peace. In Playing Dead, Robert Sheehan shares intimate reflections on his search for purpose, looking back at the adventures – and misadventures – of his life so far, and sharing the profoundly transformative lessons he has learnt along the way. Meditation is at the heart of Robert's route to spiritual awakening. In Playing Dead he reveals the turbulence in his life that led him to seek calm and tranquility within. A beautiful, meandering memoir reflecting a rich tapestry of experience, uncovering how spirituality has become his anchor in the constant moving tide. Combining storytelling with letters, poetry, childhood memories and thoughtful musings on fame. Through this compelling description of his quest for inner stillness, Robertshows us how we can welcome a practice of meditation into our own lives, with tools for soothing your nervous system and focusing a fretful mind. In a world where our attention is constantly up for grabs, Playing Dead shows how we can give our souls the deep rest we crave.

by Colin Murphy

€12.99

We Irish have enriched the English language with a slew of snazzy gems. Did you know we're the ones behind quarks, electrons and vectors, Sudocrem and Wellington boots? No surprise that we invented begrudgery, but croquet and Wunderkind were us too! So if some yahoo is getting on your nerves, don't box him in the gob - hit him with Irishisms galore, and you'll soon put the kibosh on his shaninagans. Y'dig? Written and illustrated by Colin Murphy and Donal O'Dea, the craggy old blokes behind the bestselling Feckin' Collection and Stuff Irish People Love.

by Patsy McGarry

€18.99

As the Religious Affairs Correspondent of The Irish Times from 1997, Patsy McGarry reported on some of the most troubling scandals to have rocked both Catholic and Protestant Churches in the last few decades. In Well, Holy God, he looks back not only on his time in journalism, recalling some of the most distressing stories he has had to cover, but also his own history with Catholicism and of a faith lost when the stark realities of being part of that Church became apparent to him. This book covers the gamut of his career, from the horrors of the various clerical child sex abuse cases, the vilification of Bishop Eamonn Casey and the muted reaction the Church of Ireland to the violence at Drumcree, to the role of women in the Catholic Church and the tragedies of the Mother and Baby Homes and the Magdalene laundries. Alongside accounts of such seismic events, there are lighter anecdotes, including the perils of travelling with a pope, some characters he's met along the way and a look at the good that those with a true calling can do. Well, Holy God is a memoir brimming with personality, charting the highs and lows of a truly fascinating career.

by Liam Brady

€12.76

The perfect Father's Day sports book gift 'A brilliant insight into Liam's life in football' - Kevin Moran 'Insightful, often joyous, and hugely entertaining. I loved it' - Roddy Doyle 'One of our country's great footballers, and definitely our most beautiful' - John Giles After being expelled from school for playing football for his country, fifteen-year-old Liam Brady travelled to London to join Arsenal, and soon became an indispensable part of their glorious 1970s team. Rightly considered one of the Republic of Ireland's best-ever footballers, he went on to enjoy successes with Juventus, Sampdoria and West Ham, as well as managing Celtic and Brighton and Hove, and becoming assistant manager of his national team. Today he is best known for his much-respected TV punditry and searingly intelligent insights into the game he adores. Full of honest insights, amusing anecdotes and recollections of extraordinary times, Born to be a Footballer delivers a compelling story of a fifty-year career that is unparalleled in Irish sport. Born to be a Footballer was shortlisted for the Eason Sports Book of the Year Award at the Irish Book Awards on 22nd November 2023

by Páraic Kerrigan

€16.95

Marking 50 years of the founding of an LGBTQ rights movement in Ireland, REELING IN THE QUEERS explores the lesser-known stories of the fight for LGBTQ rights . . . beyond decriminalization and Marriage Equality. Uncovering fourteen key moments that reflect the changing social and cultural landscape of Ireland, this book tells the story of the collective gains, losses, devastation and community rising from the ashes of defeat. These stories, from across the island of Ireland - and beyond! - will celebrate a strong community and its allies, providing an exchange across generations. It is a hugely enjoyable and insightful read for those who lived through this history and for those who enjoy its benefits today. Bringing even more to life the great big gay tapestry in Ireland, to enable young queer Irish people to access their own important history, the light, the dark and the brilliance of all of it.

by Tony Holohan

€12.76

Dr Tony Holohan served as Chief Medical Officer in Ireland for 14 years, but only really became known to the public during the Covid 19 pandemic. During this time his remarkable leadership skills came to the fore and he became the public face of the pandemic, helping to steer the nation through the biggest public health crisis in Ireland's modern history. However, while dealing with the most serious pandemic in a century in his professional life, he was also enduring challenges at home. His beloved wife of 25 years, Emer, was battling cancer, and died in February 2021. This remarkable book reflects on these experiences and inspires us to have those difficult conversations that ultimately make life more meaningful.

by Peter Murtagh

€19.99

Aged 69, Peter Murtagh decided it was time to embark on ‘the great retirement project’ – riding a motorbike from Tierra del Fuego, at the very southern tip of South America, to the most northerly point in Alaska, alone and without the pressure of any deadline: just a tent, a bike and a sleeping bag. En route, Peter explored magical, wonderful and extraordinarily out-of-the-way parts of our bruised world, met incredible people from all walks of life and observed a great swathe of the planet. Travelling alone on the 45,000 km journey allowed him a rare opportunity to disconnect from hectic daily life and to embrace the solitude, challenge and peace-of-mind of the road less travelled. From Tip to Top is a story of optimism and hope, an adventure of a lifetime and a ground-level portrait of the Americas as we rarely see them.

by Eimear Ryan

€13.56

'A book which will very soon be acknowledged as a classic of Irish sportswriting' Ciarán Murphy What is it like to be female in a male-dominated sporting world? If you play with the boys, more people pay attention - but you get treated like an alien. Playing with other girls or women means you have to accept smaller audiences, diminished status and - for professionals - lower pay. And what if, as is the case for camogie player Eimear Ryan, your sport has a completely different name when women play it? What if you don't feel entirely comfortable in an all-female sporting environment because you're shy, bookish, not really one of the girls? In The Grass Ceiling, acclaimed novelist Eimear Ryan digs deep into the confluence of gender and sport, and all the questions it throws up about identity, status, competition and self-expression. At a time when women's sport is on the rise but still a long way from equality, it is a sharp, nuanced and heartfelt exploration of questions that affect everyone who loves sport. Praise for The Grass Ceiling 'A gorgeous memoir about a life lived in sport, specifically a female, Irish rural life. I read it in two sittings.' Malachy Clerkin, Irish Times 'A love letter to the GAA and a diatribe against the idea sport is not for women' Kathleen McNamee, Irish Times 'Brilliant ... Ryan's bold and deep search into so many of those internalised questions provides a fascinating collage of emotional detail' Christy O'Connor, Irish Examiner 'Lyrical, urgent, wise and bracing' Irish Times

by Charlie Bird

€11.60

A poignant and introspective memoir from Irish journalist and broadcaster Charlie Bird.In 2021, Charlie Bird was diagnosed with motor neurone disease - a man whose voice was so synonymous with his career faced losing it completely. Yet knowing he had just a short time left with family and friends, what emerged was a great sense of resilience and motivation to take advantage of every moment.Here, Charlie reflects on his life and phenomenal broadcast career through the lense of his diagnosis, as he ponders the big questions and takes stock of the small moments that we so often overlook.Written over the course of 2022 as his health deteriorated, with the help of long-time friend and fellow journalist Ray Burke, this is a candid and unforgettable story about the triumph of the human spirit and, ultimately, what it means to be alive.

by Alice Kinsella

€12.76

'Sublime' - Donal Ryan, author of Strange Flowers 'Here is a writer who matters' - Irish Times I have become the common myth. Mother. The sleepy hum of early memories. The smell of shampoo, of Olay, of lavender. The feeling of safety. The absence of fear. When poet Alice Kinsella becomes a mother, she finds herself utterly lost. As she searches for answers to the question of her new identity, she considers the mothers and writers who came before her. In her inimitable poetic style, Kinsella takes pregnancy and the first nine months of motherhood and forms from them a broken prism through which to view both a woman's place in the world, and her child's in the future we're creating. 'A book about the raw, riotous, brutally beautiful act of being alive.' - Kerri nì Dochartaigh, author of Thin Places 'Milk is a raw, unvarnished journey down the mothering rabbit hole' - The Irish Independent

by Sinéad O'Connor

€11.99

THE LANDMARK MEMOIR OF A GLOBAL MUSIC ICON SHORTLISTED FOR THE IRISH BOOK AWARDS 2021 Sinéad O'Connor's voice and trademark shaved head made her famous by the age of twenty-one. Her recording of Prince's 'Nothing Compares 2 U' made her a global icon. She outraged millions when she tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II on American television. O'Connor was unapologetic and impossible to ignore, calling out hypocrisy wherever she saw it. She remained that way for over three decades. In her acclaimed No 1 bestselling memoir Rememberings, O'Connor told her story - the heartache of growing up in a family falling apart; her early forays into the Dublin music scene; her adventures and misadventures in the world of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll; the fulfilment of being a mother; her ongoing spiritual quest - and through it all, her abiding passion for music. Rememberings is intimate, replete with candid anecdotes and full of hard-won insights. It is a unique and remarkable chronicle by a unique and remarkable artist. ***** 'Inspiring, liberating, hilarious and fascinating' Irish Times 'Beautifully observed ... lyrical, funny and anguished' Guardian 'Her voice on the page is as fearless, riveting and unforgettable as her voice in song. The cadence alone is hypnotic, her story essential. Rememberings is a must-read' Michael Stipe 'So good, you'll want to read it twice' Sunday Independent 'A soul-bearing, brutally honest account of an extraordinary life' BBC Online 'Tremendous . . . fierce and funny' Sunday Times Books of the Year

by Edna O'Brien

€15.08

The iconic memoir from the Irish author of the legendary The Country Girls trilogy. 'Get ready to applaud, ladies and gentlemen, because there is no one like her.' Anne Enright 'One of the last great lights of the golden age of Irish literature.' Eimear McBride 'Glittering energy.' Colm Tóibìn I thought of life's many bounties, to have known the extremities of joy and sorrow, love, crossed love and unrequited love, success and failure, fame and slaughter ... Born in Ireland in 1930 and driven into exile after publication of her controversial first novel, The Country Girls, was burned in public, Edna O'Brien is now hailed as one of the most majestic writers of her era - and Country Girl is her fabulous memoir. Born in rural Ireland, O'Brien weaves the tale of her life from convent school to elopement, divorce, single-motherhood, moving on to the wild parties of 1960s bohemian in London, encounters with Hollywood giants, pop stars, and literary titans, love and unrequited love, and glamorous trips to America as a celebrity writer. Country Girl is a rich and heady accounting of the events, people, emotions, and landscape that have forged a legendary author. O'Brien recasts her life with the imaginative alchemy of a poet, and the result is a memoir of sparkling wisdom and honesty.

by Jim McGuinness

€14.99

Bord Gáis Energy Sports Books of the Year  'Sports Book of the Year' The Sunday Times 'McGuinness' story is remarkable.' The Irish Independent 'A powerful blend of defiance and vulnerability … memorable and distinctive.' The Irish Times Before Jim McGuinness took over as manager of the Donegal senior football team in the summer of 2010, they were in GAA wilderness. When he stepped down just over four years later, the same group of players had won three Ulster championships, the All-Ireland title of 2012 and succeeded in overturning a century-old perception of how Gaelic football should be played. His departure also marked the end of a personal odyssey, which had begun almost three decades earlier and weathered the aftermath of two family tragedies. A sports classic, Until Victory Always is both an unforgettable account of McGuinness's years at the helm of the Donegal team and a moving testament to the power of sport to sustain us in our darkest moments. 'A story about how the rawness of grief could end up inspiring not just a man but a county. The story is good; the prose is better.' The Sunday Times 'This compulsively readable, deeply involving book transcends the sports genre by vividly portraying a fiercely passionate, hugely ambitious and utterly uncompromising figure.'  The Sunday Business Post 'A story of inspiration, dedication and courage.' The Sunday Independent

by Tommie Gorman

€12.76

The warm, rich and fascinating memoir of beloved broadcaster Tommie Gorman. When Tommie Gorman was growing up in Sligo in the 1960s, struggle was never far away but his household had a surplus of love and warmth. From modest beginnings as a local reporter at the Western Journal, where his deadlines were dependent on the bus schedule, Tommie landed at RT�, taking up the post of North-West correspondent in 1980. Over the next four decades he became a familiar presence in Irish homes, known for his coverage of Europe and Northern Ireland, as well as his unforgettable interviews with controversial figures including Gerry Adams, Roy Keane, Ian Paisley and Arlene Foster. While revelling in his life as a journalist, he was also coping with the cancer diagnosis he received in 1994 and seeking ways to access life-saving treatments for patients who shared his rare form of the disease. In this insightful and generous book, Tommie takes readers behind the scenes and shares some of his memories from Sligo to Stormont, via Brussels and Sweden, as he recounts forty extraordinary years of Irish history from his front-row seat and looks at what may lie ahead for the island.

by Roddy Collins

€13.99

The hilarious memoir from the funniest man in football! Roddy Collins is a football man - now in the sixth decade of a career as a player (at sixteen clubs), manager (twelve clubs) and commentator. And he is a funny man: an unequalled raconteur with a sharp eye for the absurdities of the professional game and spectacular recall. He has made friends wherever he has gone, along with some high-quality enemies. When John Delaney said he could get Roddy a job if he'd just stop criticising him, Roddy replied that he'd 'rather dig holes in the road'. Now, with the brilliant Paul Howard, Roddy puts it all down on paper for the first time - the adventures, the rows and the craic - in what is not only one of the funniest but also one of the most eye-opening books ever written about professional football.

by Karina Molloy

€11.99

'Absorbing, poignant and often shocking' Irish Times 'Clear-eyed and unsentimental ... a sobering and timely testament' RTÉ Guide 'A reporter once asked me what justice would look like for me, and I replied from the heart. Justice for me simply means that the next 18-year-old female and male who walk through those gates will be protected, and that no one will ever again have to deal with the physical, sexual and psychological abuses we experienced.' When Karina Molloy took early retirement from the Irish army in 2012, she left behind a trailblazing career spanning over three decades. For the first woman to ever reach the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer rank, however, that trail was marked by setbacks, as she faced repeated promotional glass ceilings, routine harassment and bullying, and incidents of sexual assault. Despite the toll it took on her, Karina persevered, going on to become one of the key voices today in demanding change and accountability within the Irish army. From Donegal to the Curragh Camp to tours in Lebanon, Eritrea and Bosnia, this is her astonishing story. 'A searing, honest and courageous account of professional soldiering in a toxic military culture' Senator Tom Clonan, retired army captain

by Ray Lane

€16.99

On a grey Sunday afternoon in the depths of the Troubles, bomb disposal officer Ray Lane, in his first ever deployment, was tasked with defusing an IRA 1,000kg bomb planted on the Border. It was the dangerous start to an extraordinary career that would take him to the frontlines of some of the world's most perilous conflicts. From beer kegs packed with explosives to ingenious homemade devices designed to maim and kill, Ray's job was the very definition of danger. With nerves of steel and unmatched skills in wartime diplomacy, Ray dove into some of the world's most hostile environments: Bosnia, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Every mission brought him face-to-face with the atrocities of war and left their scars-both physical and emotional. A memoir that is riveting in nature, this takes the readers from the darkest depths of humanity to the heights of bravery. Ray reflects on mental strength and courage-deep inside-to override every human instinct and walk toward a bomb, knowing the risks yet choosing duty over fear.

by Nuala O'Faolain

€13.46

Nuala O'Faolain's first memoir Are You Somebody? became a literary sensation and an international bestseller when it was first published by New Island Books in 1996. It launched a new life for its author, at a time when she had long since let go of expectations that anything new could dislodge patterns of regret and solitude.  A pioneering work of literary memoir, Almost There opens at that moment when O'Faolain's life began to change. It tells the story of a life in subtle, radical, and unforeseen renewal. It is a tale of good fortune chasing out bad - of an accidental harvest of happiness. But it is also a provocative examination of one woman's experience of the 'crucible of middle age' - a time of life that faces in two directions, that forges the shape of the years to come, and also clarifies and solidifies one's relationships to friends and lovers, family and self.  Nuala O'Faolain's final memoir, Almost There chronicles the pursuit of artistic and personal integrity, and what it is to be a woman in contemporary society, with the signature style and raw candidness of her personal writing.

by Stuart Barker

€12.76

With a foreword by Carl Fogarty 'A worthy and fitting tribute to the King of the Roads' - Irish News Joey Dunlop's story is one of towering triumphs and desperate tragedies in almost equal measure. Born poor - dirt poor - with no running water, no electricity, he was the definition of the everyman hero, in what must be considered one of the world's most extreme sports - motorcycle road racing. He remains the most loved and most successful road racer of all time. Joey Dunlop won the hearts and minds of millions during his thirty-one-year career, culminating in the year 2000 at the Isle of Man TT when, grey-haired and bespectacled, he cemented his reputation as the greatest TT rider in history by regaining the F1 crown for the first time in twelve years. But in road racing, tragedy is never very far away. Joey lost his life in an accident in July of 2000. It was just weeks after his final TT victory. More than 60,000 people attended Joey's funeral. Over twenty years on, the sport has never truly recovered. Every motorcycling lover knows the legend of Joey Dunlop but now, for the first time, they can get to know the man himself. This definitive new biography is by turns hilarious, triumphant and tragic; it is Dunlop's story as it has never been told before - by those who were part of it.

by Vicky Phelan

€10.43

Sunday Times Memoir of the Year 2019 An Post Irish Book of the Year 2019 When Vicky Phelan delivered an emotionally charged statement from the steps of the Four Courts in April 2018 - having refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement in the settlement of her action against the HSE - she unearthed the medical and political scandal of our times. It would emerge that, like Vicky, 220 other women who were diagnosed with cervical cancer were not informed that a clinical audit -carried out by the national screen programme CervicalCheck - had revised their earlier, negative smear tests. Their cancers could possibly have been preventable. Since then, Vicky has become women's voice for justice on the issue, and her system-changing activism has made her a household name. In her memoir Overcoming, Vicky shares her remarkable personal story, from a life-threatening accident in early adulthood through to motherhood, a battle with depression, her devastating later discovery that her cancer had returned in shocking circumstances - and the ensuing detective-like scrutiny of events that led the charge for her history-making legal action. An inspiring story of rare resilience and power, Overcoming is an account of how one woman can move mountains - even when she is fighting for her own life - and of finding happiness and strength in the toughest of times. 'Calls to mind the work of Emilie Pine, or the memoir by Maggie O'Farrell, I Am, I Am, I Am ... Overcoming is more than the retelling of an extraordinary life. Its pacing and gentleness leaves plenty of room for tears and for reflection' Irish Independent

by Frank McCourt

€12.75

Stunning reissue of the phenomenal worldwide bestseller: Frank McCourt's sad, funny, bittersweet memoir of growing up in New York in the 30s and in Ireland in the 40s.It is a story of extreme hardship and suffering, in Brooklyn tenements and Limerick slums - too many children, too little money, his mother Angela barely coping as his father Malachy's drinking bouts constantly brings the family to the brink of disaster. It is a story of courage and survival against apparently overwhelming odds.Written with the vitality and resonance of a work of fiction, and with a remarkable absence of sentimentality, 'Angela's Ashes' is imbued on every page with Frank McCourt's distinctive humour and compassion. Out of terrible circumstances, he has created a glorious book in the tradition of Ireland's literary masters, which bears all the marks of a great classic.

by Alan Byrne

€22.04

Philip Lynott: Renegade is the story of a pioneering Irish musician. From his early days on his beloved Dublin music scene through the adventurous days of Thin Lizzy, the band he led for thirteen years, Philip himself reveals in song the ebb and flow of his public and private life. Once mainstream success came his way with Thin Lizzy's powerhouse Jailbreak album in 1976, his musical thirst only heightened, and this book also offers intimate insight into his musical experimentation beyond the Thin Lizzy framework. The very subtle solo annexe to the main body of his recorded work with Thin Lizzy is often overlooked despite being inhabited with lyrical depth, honesty and amusing but purposeful misdirection. From the slow burn of his rise with Thin Lizzy to the unfortunate and unnecessary outcome of his short life, Renegade offers a vantage point from the people who were by his side through it all.

by Richard Killeen

€5.39

The year 2022 sees the 100th anniversary of the death of solider and politician Michael Collins, the legendary leader of Irish republicanism. Born in Clonakilty, County Cork, in 1890, Collins joined Sinn Féin at age 18 and later took part in the 1916 Rising. In the 1918 General Election he won a seat for Sinn Féin in South Cork and was later appointed Minister of Finance in the newly formed Dáil Eireann in 1919. Following the War of Independence, in which he played an effective if at times ruthless role, Collins led the Irish delegation in London to negotiate the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which resulted in the partitioning of Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State. The Treaty would ignite civil war in Ireland, ultimately leading to Collins's assassination on 22 August 1922. Today, Collins is still seen as the man who has done more than any other to secure 'the freedom to achieve freedom' of Ireland. This is a compelling and accessible introduction to the legendary political hero.

by Ray Goggins

€12.99

'The path I have travelled, the things I have done and the people I have met in crisis situations have given me a window into those qualities that make us perform. My military training created a mindset, an outlook and skills that can be channelled into any situation.' From the hills of south Lebanon to the monsoon jungles of Southern Asia, Ray Goggins has operated in a life-and-death world. In the suffocating humidity of Liberia, the mountains of  Afghanistan and the snow-covered Balkans, Ray has seen the best and worst qualities in himself and others. From conflict zones to terrorist attacks and hostage rescues, Ray has learned the greatest life lessons: how to control fear, how to react calmly and positively, and how to create a strong baseline from which to take action. After a life spent on the front line with the Irish Defence Forces, Ray now trains others to foster a mindset to handle whatever madness life has in store. In this remarkable book, he takes us on an exhilarating journey through his incredible career and draws on the valuable lessons to help all of us deal better with life, whatever the situation. 'One of the most talked about books of the year' TV Now   'Ray's experiences are broken down into core values we can all apply to our everyday lives' Peter Stringer   'A great read' Claire Byrne, RTÉ Radio 1

by Oisin Murphy

€23.99

A gripping and searingly honest account of a year in the turbulent life of a professional jockey, and the personal cost of success in the high-stakes world of horseracing. From four-time champion Oisin Murphy. 'A GRIPPING AND INCREDIBLY HONEST INSIGHT INTO OUR SPORT, FROM ONE OF RACING’S MOST EXCITING TALENTS' FRANKIE DETTORI ‘AN ASTONISHINGLY HONEST ACCOUNT OF WHAT IT'S LIKE BEING A PROFESSIONAL JOCKEY' DAILY TELEGRAPH THE THRILLING AND SEARINGLY HONEST MEMOIR FOLLOWING A YEAR IN THE WORLD OF HORSE-RACING, FROM FOUR-TIME CHAMPION JOCKEY OISIN MURPHY. Born prematurely, weighing less than a bag of sugar, Oisin Murphy’s life has always been one of struggle. From a young age he found communion with horses. Mesmerised by their power, their spirit, he discovered a gift for the saddle. Oisin quickly established himself as one of horseracing’s most prodigious talents. But reaching the pinnacle of the sport has required a high-wire dance that continues to push his body and mind to their breaking point. Despite four champion jockey crowns, alcohol addiction lurked beneath the surface, and a string of misdemeanours have overshadowed his racing. Fast paced and searingly honest, Sacrifice lays bare Oisin’s personal struggles and immerses readers in the daily life of a jockey throughout an entire season. From the countless unseen hours of horse work to the psychological turmoil of racing, the private agony of wasting, and the vital community of the weighing room, it pulls back the curtain and examines the fine line between elite performance and personal destruction in a sport that demands nothing less than total obsession. Part-autobiography, part-diary written in real-time, this incredible and immersive memoir charts Oisin Murphy's year in the saddle, laying bare the pressures of life at the pinnacle of horse-racing.

by Breda O'Toole

€17.99

From a childhood shaped by neglect and violence to three brutal years spent in a cold, indifferent convent, Breda O'Toole's early life was marked by abandonment. When she sought help, she entered a mental health system that continued the pattern - misdiagnosing her, medicating her into silence, binding her in a straitjacket for 11 days and subjecting her to 29 rounds of electroconvulsive therapy. Across decades, Breda was treated not as a person, but as a problem to be managed - her pain unseen, her voice unheard. Yet Unseen is also a story of fierce resilience. Refusing to be defined by the failures of the system, Breda fought to reclaim her health, her voice and her life. Through courage, determination and a relentless search for dignity, she uncovered a sense of self that had long been buried. Blending deeply personal narrative with a forensic study of 23 years of psychiatric records, Breda exposes the devastating consequences of a system that too often loses sight of the human being at its heart.

by Anne Enright

€18.99

For thirty years Anne Enright has been paying attention: casting her lucid and distinctive gaze across the world, literature and her own life, and gifting us with her precise insights. Anne Enright has always been alert to the places where public and private meet, where individual lives are caught by, or alter, the sweep of history. These essays, collated from across Enright’s career, take us from Galway to Honduras, from personal self-examination to urgent political writing. They delve into Enright’s own family history, and explore the free voices and controlled bodies of women in society and fiction. She offers new perspectives on writers including Alice Munro, Toni Morrison, James Joyce, Helen Garner and Angela Carter. Attention brings Anne Enright’s wide-ranging cultural criticism, literary and autobiographical writing together for the first time. In Enright’s fiction, speech can transform, rupture, enliven and liberate — in these essays, she speaks to us directly. Electrifying, probing and exuberant, this is a defining collection from one of our most distinguished literary voices.

by John Creedon

€19.99

In This Boy's Heart , beloved Irish broadcaster John Creedon invites readers on an intimate journey through the people, places, and moments that shaped him. With warmth, humor, and a keen sense of nostalgia, Creedon recounts tales of his Cork upbringing, weaving together stories of family, friendships, and the Irish landscapes that left an indelible mark on his life. Celebrating the simplicity and beauty of Irish culture, this memoir is a tribute to Creedon’s roots and a universal story of belonging and self-discovery. Perfect for fans of memoirs, Irish culture, and those drawn to reflective, heartwarming storytelling, This Boy's Heart is an inspiring read that reminds us of the power of home and heritage.