Irish Life Stories

1. I Loved Him From The Day He Died

by Michael P. Harding

€16.99

I Loved Him from the Day He Died is a deeply moving memoir by celebrated Irish author Michael Harding, known for his profound reflections on love, loss, and the human experience. This intimate journey follows Harding as he grapples with the grief of losing his father and embarks on a transformative pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago. In this evocative narrative, Harding invites readers to walk beside him through the Irish landscapes of memory and the spiritual paths of Spain, where he confronts questions of mortality, legacy, and what it truly means to let go. With a mix of raw honesty and gentle humour, Harding’s story is both personal and universal, resonating with anyone who has faced the complexities of family relationships or sought healing from loss. Praised by critics and fellow authors alike, I Loved Him from the Day He Died has been called “a masterpiece of introspection and resilience” and “a guide for the soul.” Perfect for fans of: memoirs on grief, father-son stories, Irish literature, and introspective travel narratives. Whether you're drawn to the emotional landscapes of When Breath Becomes Air or the spiritual insights of The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho, Harding’s work will leave a lasting impact.

2. A Place Called Home

by Alice Taylor

€17.99

In fact, two places called home ... For over sixty years, Alice Taylor has lived in the village of Innishannon, the gateway to West Cork. But her childhood was spent on a farm in North Cork, near the Kerry border, and her memories of that homeplace are vivid. Here, she recalls the sounds and smells of the farmyard, now silent; she visits her old national school, today in ruins, and her secondary, which has a new life as a cultural centre. She also writes of day-to-day life in her beloved Innishannon. With her trademark wit and wisdom, Alice takes us on a ramble around both of her homes, celebrating the places, the people and the special moments that have stayed in her heart over the years.

3. Mad, Isn't It?

by Emma Doran

€11.99

On a solo trip with her best friend to a Wexford caravan park, a barely 18-year-old virginal (ish) Emma Doran discovers it only takes one time to change your life forever and end up covered in stretch marks. Finding herself preparing to do her Leaving Cert in a maternity school uniform, hopes of a glittering acting career (which began with a feted primary school performance as middle-aged alcoholic Mrs Hannigan in Annie and culminated in a case of stage fright as Caroline Aherne's famous Sister Mary Immaculate in transition year) are derailed. Baby in tow, Emma spends her college years getting up at 7 a.m. and going to bed at 8 p.m. instead of staying out 'til 6 a.m. and sleeping 'til noon. By 24, her idea of a good weekend is perusing the aisles of Home Store + More for new cushions to brighten up her living room. But on the verge of turning 30, an opportunity arises, and Emma finds herself back on stage again ... Mad, Isn't It? is a hilarious and moving story about life, friendship, (young) motherhood and taking risks.

4. This Boy's Heart: Scenes from an Irish Childhood

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.

5. CountryFail: Some C***'s Guide To The Countryside

by Killian Sundermann

€11.99

The hilarious guide to the countryside you never knew you needed, from up-and-coming TikTok and Instagram-hit comedian Killian Sundermann. Welcome to the countryside. A place of rolling hills, winding rivers and natural beauty. Or is it? Killian Sundermann is here to give us his deeply uninformed, highly opinionated and hilarious guide to the countryside. He rates stone walls, weighs up the varying appeal of different styles of hedges, gives us a bitchy guide to ditches and explains why hiking is for people with emotional problems. You’ll never see the countryside in the same way again.

6. The Rory's Stories Guide to Parenting

by Rory O'Connor

€9.49

Rory O'Connor has three kids and, in his own words, is just about surviving a life filled with sleep deprivation, stray Lego underfoot, mashed potato on the walls and the unmatched pride that comes with being a dad!     Having coped with the labour ward and having been lulled into a false sense of security with one child, he's now knee deep in nappies, tackling tantrums and trying desperately to enjoy the occasional family holiday.     The Rory's Stories Guide to Parenting brings Rory's trademark brilliant observations, everyday humour and down-to-earth common sense to the wonderful world of parenting. It's the 'guide' to parenting we've all been waiting for!

7. One for the Girlos

by Enya Martin

€14.99

Laugh, cringe and nod along with Enya Martin in her funny and disarmingly honest look at friendship. This tongue-in-cheek manual dives headfirst into the complexities of female friendships, offering relatable anecdotes and sage advice for managing every possible scenario. From hen parties to Whats-app groups this book is your survival guide to the wild world of friendship, with a massive dose of humour on the side. Prepare to see your friends, and perhaps even yourself, in these pages. Perfect for anyone who's ever had a 'BFF', 'frenemy', or been part of a group chat. A hilariously refreshing take on the joy, chaos, and unexpected surprises of being a woman amidst the whirlpool of friendships. Laughter guaranteed!

8. You will die in prison

by Bernard Phelan

€12.99

'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.

9. Dogs and Their Humans

by Noel Fitzpatrick

€14.99

In my consulting room with a dog lying by our feet, I have seen the very best that humanity has to offer and often in the very worst of circumstances. Private jets or helicopters land, beat up old cars rattle into the carpark, princes and paupers come through the door and every single one has three things in common. One, they love their dogs beyond anything that can be described in words. Two, they will do whatever it takes. And three, they have all come to me for one thing and one thing only: hope. The dogs don’t care whether they are pauper or prince. I don’t care either. My room is the great leveler. From the sublime to the ridiculous, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick has seen it all in his veterinary practice. Dogs (and their humans): stories of healing and hope from the Supervet’s surgery is a funny, uplifting and at times heartbreaking celebration of our connection with our loyal canine friends. Dogs allow us to be the best humans we can be.

10. On Duty

by John O'Driscoll

€21.99

Between 2016 and his retirement in 2022, Assistant Garda Commissioner John O'Driscoll was the public face of Garda operations targeting organised crime. This put him at the centre of a long-running quest to bring down the Kinahan drug cartel, culminating in US sanctions being imposed - an unprecedented development spearheaded by O'Driscoll.   But the Kinahans were just some of the many notorious drug dealers and criminals O'Driscoll successfully brought to book. During his tenure at Dublin's Store Street he was tasked with reckoning with the heroin epidemic: his unique approach to community policing got to the root of the power of infamous criminals like Tony Felloni, Michel Cronin and Derek Dunne, stripping them of their assets. No Assistant Garda Commissioner has ever written a memoir before; On Duty promises to be a unique insight into policing operations in Ireland at the highest level.   'John O'Driscoll makes an authoritative and valuable contribution, quite without precedent, to the debate around policing and security policy in 21st century Ireland' Conor Brady, former editor of The Irish Times and author of The Guarding of Ireland.

11. Running From Office: Confessions Of Ambition And Failure In Politics

by Eoghan Murphy

€16.99

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.

12. Obsessed: The Autobiography

by Johnny Sexton

€22.99

"Obsessed: The Autobiography by Johnny Sexton" "Sexton will go down as Ireland's greatest ever player" – Gordon D'Arcy, Irish Times No Irish rugby player has ever achieved more or inspired both teammates and fans quite like Johnny Sexton. Yet, as recently as May 2009, few would have predicted such greatness. At 24, Sexton was not the first choice at Leinster, still uncapped by Ireland, and his future as a rugby legend seemed far from certain. In his highly anticipated autobiography, Obsessed by Johnny Sexton , the legendary fly-half shares his life and career story, revealing the relentless drive and determination behind his unparalleled success. From four European Cups to four Six Nations championships—including two Grand Slams—his era redefined what Leinster and Ireland could achieve, culminating in multiple world number-one rankings and a World Player of the Year award. Known for his outspoken nature both on and off the pitch, Sexton offers a candid reflection on his journey: from his early, uncertain days in club rugby to forging deep relationships with icons like Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell, Joe Schmidt, and Andy Farrell. In Obsessed: The Autobiography by Johnny Sexton , he also shares his thoughts on the game, leadership, and the mindset that transformed him into one of the sport’s all-time greats. This is the definitive story of the man who led Irish rugby to new heights.

13. Joe Canning: My Story

by Joe Canning

€19.99

"Joe Canning: My Story" – Autobiography The youngest of seven children in a legendary hurling family from Portumna, Joe Canning was hailed as a prodigy from his first moments on the pitch. Could he live up to the immense expectations? The answer was a resounding "yes" when, at just 19, Joe Canning made national headlines by scoring an astonishing 2-12 for Galway, almost single-handedly leading them to victory over Cork. From that day on, Canning's brilliance was undeniable. Yet, despite his consistent excellence, it would take nine long years before he finally lifted the coveted Liam MacCarthy Cup. In Joe Canning: My Story , this deeply personal and highly anticipated autobiography, Joe reflects on his remarkable career's extraordinary highs and challenging lows. He shares what it was like to shoulder immense expectations, cope with the pressures of performance, and navigate personal struggles off the field—particularly his parents’ battles with cancer, which offered him profound perspective amid his pursuit of greatness. For years, Ireland asked: would Joe Canning be remembered as the greatest hurler never to win an All-Ireland medal? In his heartfelt memoir, Canning recounts the overwhelming joy of winning the All-Ireland and the priceless moment of seeing his parents' pride as he fulfilled his lifelong dream. He also reflects on his decision to retire and how he found peace in stepping away from the game that defined him. This is more than a sports autobiography; it’s a story of resilience, perseverance, and the human spirit behind one of Hurling’s greatest icons.

14. Davy Russell: My Autobiography

by Davy Russell

€19.99

An outstanding insight into the life and career of one of the greatest National Hunt jockeys. The bad days, the good days, the passion - it's all there' - Rachael Blackmore. 'Davy Russell's story has been the most fascinating of racing journeys, Donn McClean its classiest chronicler. It makes a National winning combination' - Brough Scott 'Davy Russell is one of the most interesting characters in racing and one of the most successful National Hunt riders of our time. This is a superb book, one of the best sports books I've read' - Eamon Dunphy From Davy Russell's early life in Youghal to his winning ride on Tiger Roll in the 2018 Grand National, this book has it all. Capturing the highs of an incredible career as a top jockey, from the adrenaline rush of winning the Grand National twice, the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris, it also dwells on the devastating blows that Davy experienced through injury and shows his huge resilience and strength of character. In the book, Davy tells of his years on the point-to-point scene, his big move to England and his first Cheltenham victory in 2006, his experiences at Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown Stud as the number one rider, working with Gordon Elliot, hism charity work with Hurling for Cancer Research, and his retirement. It is a truly remarkable journey written by the most entertaining jockey in the business.

15. Whatever It Takes

by Richie Hogan

€21.99

Richie Hogan is one of the all-time greats of hurling, winner of seven All-Ireland senior hurling medals and multiple individual awards. His epic career brought him both immense joy and incredible heartache. This success did not come about by accident: Richie's complete focus on hurling success meant every decision he made revolved around hurling, from education to career to lifestyle choices. He grew up with Kilkenny hurling in his blood and from a very young age worked towards goals rather than dreams. Hyper-focused and determined, there wasn't a day in his life where he didn't think about what he needed to do to get to the highest level of the sport he loved and what he needed to do to stay up there. Now, in Whatever it Takes, Richie tells the story of his dazzling career, from his obsession with maintaining high standards in the Kilkenny team, to the stand-out moments on the pitch and the challenges he encountered along the way that threatened to derail everything. This frank and forthright account takes us inside one of the greatest hurling teams of all time as never before.

16. Playing Dead

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.

17. Who gives a focal?

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.

18. Swimming upstream

by Patsy Peril

€19.99

'Unlike me, the Atlantic wild salmon does not have a voice, so it cannot tell the story of why and how it has been driven to the point of extinction.' Once, the River Shannon was teeming with wild salmon swimming upstream. But when the enormous hydro-electric station at Ardnacrusha was built in 1929, what began as the Free State's crowning achievement would have a devastating impact on the environment. In this evocative and thought-provoking memoir, Patsy Peril recalls a life deeply entwined with Irish wildlife and embedded in the history of modern Ireland. From a childhood spent on the water to a national conservation campaign, Patsy has a lifetime of knowledge to share about the wild Atlantic salmon - and a plan to save it.

19. The Last Disco

by Sean Murray

€12.99

In 1981, the Stardust nightclub in Dublin was a beacon for the city's nightlife - until it became a nightmare. On that fateful Valentine's Day the dance floor became a scene of horror, as flames engulfed the venue, claiming the lives of 48 young people and leaving the survivors scarred forever. In this gripping account the harrowing true story is revealed, citing new evidence brought forward during recent inquests in the relentless pursuit of justice. Through the eyes of the survivors, the families and investigators, compiled with meticulous research and compassionate portrayals of their voices, this poignant book honours the memories of those who were lost, while shedding light on the tragedy that still shocks the nation to this day.

20. Well, holy God

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.

21. Born to be a footballer

by Liam Brady

€11.99

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

22. Hope

by Niall Harbison

€9.49

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.

23. Reeling in the Queers

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.

24. Parcels in the post

by Fiona Neary

€17.95

Welcome to the house of fun. It's the early 1980s and Fiona Neary and her family have recently moved back from England to the family farm. Fiona's huge-hearted mum decides to take in foster children - a decision that will change all their lives.  Over the next decade, a procession of faces passes through the house. Every child has their own story, and each story claims a little piece of Fiona's heart. Some stay a few weeks; some months, and then years. All these children, as well as Fiona and her family, must pass through a chaotic system: where a judge's decision can alter a child's life, for better or worse; where emergency placements can break up siblings; where the foster family are often left in the dark and with little back-up. Filled with pathos and humour, Parcels in the Post is both a memoir of a loving household and snapshot of the fostering system in Ireland, from someone at the very heart of it all.

25. Madhouse

by P. J. Gallagher

€13.99

'An absolutely brilliant read' Patrick Kielty, Late Late Show, RTÉ 'Blisteringly honest . . . hilarious, traumatic, joyful and terrifying. Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy read!' Liz Nugent 'Gloriously unabashed . . . vibrant, poignant and surprisingly hopeful' Irish Times I grew up in a psychiatric experiment crossed with an alcoholic experiment. . . . a place run by two people who were extraordinarily drunk and guarded by a potentially vicious dog with a brain tumour. PJ Gallagher spent much of his childhood knocking back Lucozade with the local alcoholics in his parents' northside pub. But the chaos that reigned for his first ten years was nothing compared to what happened when - having lost the pub - his mum took in six psychiatric patients from the local hospital to give them 'care in the community'. Worst. Idea. Ever. Madhouse is PJ's riotous life story. Covering everything from dogs, motorbikes and the art of small talk, to the lessons of mental breakdown and finally figuring out love, this is PJ unbound. Most surprising - to PJ more than anyone - is the prospect of becoming a dad in his late forties, when he always thought of 'family' as a trap. Madhouse is the funny, insightful and moving story of someone just trying to keep his head above water - and how he is making sense of it all at last! 'Terrifically honest, as well as a being funny and sad' Matt Cooper, The Last Word , Today FM 'Delivered in Gallagher's brilliantly blunt northside brogue, evoking a shade of Roddy Doyle' Irish Independent 'Tells his story with humour and insight making it feel as though you are chatting with an old friend' Irish Examiner 'Bold, anarchic . . . relates wild antics and traumas from his tumultuous life with both humour and perceptive clarity' Business Post 'So open . . . amazing for understanding and trying to destroy the stigma [of mental health struggles] . . . a great read' Elaine Crowley, Ireland AM , Virgin Media

26. Poor

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

27. We need to talk

by Tony Holohan

€12.99

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.

28. This is the life

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

29. From Tip To Top P/B

by Peter Murtagh

€18.99

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.

30. The grass ceiling

by Eimear Ryan

€12.99

'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

31. Bend, don't break

by Frank O'Mara

€17.99

'Victory is a life well lived or a day enjoyed.' Limerick man Frank O'Mara had the athletics career most only dream of, competing for Ireland in three Olympic Games and breaking Irish and world records. After his retirement from running, he settled in the US with his family and made his way to the top of the telecoms industry.    Then at age forty-eight, his life changed forever when he was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease. The progression was rapid, causing severe muscle cramps, tremors, and eventually the inability to walk and at times even speak. In this inspiring memoir, Frank recounts his battle with Parkinson's. At first in denial, he eventually found the strength that made him successful as an athlete and in business - using determination, and humour to weather the worst phases of the disease. He learned to face each hurdle as he came to it: to bend, but not break. One man's life-affirming story of facing adversity with grace and courage.

32. Perfectly Imperfect H/B

by Ellen Keane

€18.99

Ellen Keane spent most of her teens uncomfortable with her limb difference. Hiding behind long-sleeved hoodies, she perfected poses in photographs and concealed her insecurities. How did she go from being a shy young girl to a strong, confident woman and gold-winning Paralympian? The day Ellen embraced her difference was the day she found her superpower. She started to believe in her unique abilities and gradually find the success that she had never dreamed possible. Perfectly Imperfect is for anyone struggling to embrace who they are. With anecdotes from her own life, practical advice, monthly check-ins and good-natured humour, Ellen dares you to let go of waiting until everything is perfect and, instead, embrace your imperfect, messy self just as you are. It might just change your life.  

33. Time and tide

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.

34. Milk

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

35. Finucane and me

by John Clarke

€21.99

Marian Finucane was a trailblazing broadcaster, the first to champion women's issues on air, and respected for her fairness, empathy and doggedness. One of a small group of Irish people known simply by their first name, the nation mourned when she died suddenly, aged 69, in January 2020.   But John Clarke, Marian's widower, doesn't use her eponymous moniker - instead, he calls her 'Finucane'. It highlights the gap between the woman so many felt they knew and the woman he loved - the real Marian - who was by turns curious, fiery, emotional, stubborn, charming and endlessly excited by life.   When John and Marian first got together, they promised each other that they'd never be boring. What ensued was forty years of conversation and thousands of miles travelled. Finucane & Me is an unexpected love story: the story of two people who 'made a pact for madness'; the story of a never-ending search for meaning; the story of two people who lived life to its fullest.

36. John Hume The Persuader H/B

by Stephen Walker

€27.99

Peacemaker, politician, Nobel laureate: John Hume was a titan of Irish political history and a key architect of the Good Friday Agreement, bringing peace to Northern Ireland after decades of conflict. But who was the real John Hume? What motivated the former history teacher to reach beyond political lines? What sustained him during the bloody years of violence and how did he convince the IRA to end its long-running campaign? How did he persuade presidents and prime ministers to take risks and back his vision for Northern Ireland? How should John Hume be remembered? Stephen Walker combines over 100 interviews with many of Hume’s colleagues, critics and family members, with never-before-published interviews with Hume himself to present a comprehensive portrait of one of the most significant political figures in Northern Ireland and around the world.

37. Modern Family P/B

by Brian Dowling-Gourounlian

€18.99

Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian are among Ireland’s most beloved television personalities and social media stars. The internet exploded when the couple announced they were expecting their first child, with Brian’s sister Aoife acting as their surrogate. Their daughter, Blake, was born in September 2022. In this book, Brian and Arthur detail their long journeys, separately and together, before finally realising the dream of creating their own very happy family. From births, to deaths, marriage and everything in between this heartfelt and hilarious memoir brings Arthur and Brian’s positive and inspiring attitude to the page as they journey towards parenthood. Brian and Arthur’s Modern Family reflects on the universal cycles of adversity, love and grief experienced by all of us as we strive to achieve our dreams, sharing what they have learned along the way about what really matters.

38. Born to Be a Footballer H/B

by Liam Brady

€21.99

"Being a footballer was my destiny." 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 know n 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, with Born to be a Footballer Brady delivers a compelling story of a fifty-year career that is unparalleled in Irish sport.

39. I'm Grand Mamual H/B

by PJ Kirby

€14.99

PJ Kirby and Kevin Twomey are two mammy’s boys from Cork who are always up for a skit. The I’m Grand Mamual is Kevin and PJ’s hilarious and heart-warming ode to their mammies, Phil and Nuala. Taking a different well-worn saying – such as ‘We haven’t died a winter yet’ and ‘Sure, who’d be looking at you anyway?’ – Kevin and PJ recount wild experiences from their lives – from coming out, holidays and money management to dating, hustling and sustainability – where the phrase has rung true, proving that ‘Mam always knows best. With great humour and middling advice, The I’m Grand Mamual is a big-sisterly companion that proudly celebrates embracing yourself and the uniquely Irish mother–child relationship

40. Carl Frampton

by Carl Frampton

€24.99

Belfast’s Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton MBE is no ordinary boxer. One of only three fighters from the British Isles to be named the Ring magazine Fighter of the Year, he has headlined sellout world championship bouts on both sides of the Atlantic, winning multiple world titles in the process. His dedicated army of fans have traversed the globe to be ringside throughout it all. But Frampton’s popularity far exceeds the traditional adulation for a sporting icon; he is regarded as a symbol of hope and unity by both sides of the sectarian divide in Northern Ireland. In this captivating autobiography, Frampton reveals the most personal aspects of being a fighter: the fears and doubts, the exhilaration and devastation, the friendships and animosities. He also recounts for the first time his high-profile, acrimonious split with Barry McGuigan in devastating and revealing detail. Frampton speaks openly and passionately, not only about boxing, but about his country, how far it has come and the problems it faces. This is a uniquely intimate account of a true modern-day sporting great and a local hero like no other.

41. Sandy Kelly - in my own words

by Sandy Kelly

€24.99

Born in Sligo into a family of travelling entertainers, Sandy Kelly has become one of the top musical performers in Ireland. Sandy was co-opted into the family variety show from an early age. As a teenager she sang on the social club circuit in the UK, playing an ever more prominent role. When she returned to Ireland, she developed initially as a pop performer before following her instincts and concentrating on a music career. Her landmark 1989 recording of the Patsy Cline hit 'Crazy' led her to perform on stages all over the world, including the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and the lead role in Patsy - The Musical in London's West End. But the music industry can be a tough place. Sandy has dealt with prejudice and financial pressures. Alongside the glamour of show business, she has experienced the heartaches of divorce, family illness and death, and faced the challenges of raising a daughter with special needs. Sandy has stood strong at the heart of Ireland's music scene for over four decades. Here, for the first time, she recounts the highs - and lows - of a lifetime in music, in her own words.

42. Rough beast

by Mairia Cahill

€17.99

NUMBER 1 BESTSELLER IN THE IRISH NON-FICTION CHARTS "Rough Beast is shocking, important and unputdownable." Roddy Doyle Rough Beast is Máirìa Cahill's harrowing story of her life and of what she went through at the hands of what is now Ireland's largest and richest party. That story is told here for the first time in full detail and with unsparing honesty. It is a story of unimaginable trauma and political corruption. It brings to life a world of paramilitary secrecy and parallel laws, but above all it is the story of one young woman's defiance of the power wielded by ex-gunmen inspiring fear and silence, and their influence over elected politicians. Máirìa Cahill grew up steeped in the traditions of Irish republicanism and the shadowy world of the IRA: her great-uncle Joe was one of the main founders of the Provisional IRA and her grandfather was Gerry Adams's mentor in the republican movement. From an early age she seemed destined for a glittering career within the increasingly successful political machine of Sinn Féin, which was then enjoying the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement. She worked in a radio station alongside leading republicans; the Sinn Féin offices were her second home. She knew Gerry Adams and other senior republicans as family friends. But at the age of 16, she was sexually abused by a prominent Belfast IRA man. When she confided in some friends she trusted about the abuse, one of them told the IRA without Máirìa's knowledge. A year later the organisation came calling, and forced her to take part in an inept and grotesquely insensitive internal investigation. She was subjected to round after round of interrogations by senior IRA men and women, usually in a network of safe houses around Belfast. Doubt was cast on her account of what had been done to her. Her assailant was allowed to confront and denounce her. Eventually her rapist was permitted to vanish from Belfast while Sinn Féin and the IRA professed bafflement about his whereabouts.

43. Breaking the Heart Open

by Tony Bates

€19.99

Bestselling author and psychologist Tony Bates has spent his career seeking to understand the lives of others. Here he turns his therapeutic eye on himself and describes the events and people in his own life that have made him the insightful thinker and teacher that he is today. He recalls traumatic events in his childhood that reverberated throughout his life and how, with therapy and time, he was eventually able to heal. He recounts the stories of the patients that affected him most deeply and informed both the direction of his work and his philosophy as a psychologist. This book invites us to reflect with compassion on the meaning of our own lives, as well as on the way we, as a society, support those with mental health difficulties.

44. A portrait of the piss artist as a young man

by Tadhg Hickey

€12.99

It was love at first taste for fifteen-year-old Tadhg Hickey when he drank a can of Scrumpy Jack on the night of his exam results. Straight away it provided a cure for that constant feeling of 'something wrong, something not quite right', a way of numbing anxiety and childhood trauma. He realised he was extraordinarily good at drinking and energetically threw himself into a life of pubs, parties and staying pissed, while also managing to become a comedian. But alcohol had the last laugh ... A Portrait of the Piss Artist as a Young Man shows us the often-hilarious lengths of self-deception an alcoholic will go to, the horrific consequences of addiction and the redemptive process of recovering from this deadly but ultimately treatable illness, and remaining sober. A deeply touching memoir and with a side of self-help, Tadhg's easy-going writing style belies his serious message - that each of us has the power to change our lives.

45. Memoirs of a wonky-eyed man

by Jason Byrne

€18.99

Jason Byrne is 17. With his leaving cert under his belt but no idea what to do next, who better to ask for advice than his dad, Paddy? There’s a (very) short stint studying accountancy (he was asked to leave); a FÁS course with juvenile offenders to become a waiter that leads to an apprenticeship in Jury’s (he was the only one not in prison), and a job in a lighting warehouse (it ended with a collapsed lung). But no matter what the problem, Paddy Byrne is always ready with a wise word: ‘Sure, that’s life, son. Just don't tell your mother.’ This is not just a memoir. It is a celebration of a generation, a celebration of life and of Jason’s wonderful relationship with his dad, Paddy Byrne – the man who never gave a b*llix.

46. Keira & Me H/B

by Noel Fitzpatrick

€19.99

'With you by my side, just doing my best was the best thing to do.' Keira is a very special dog. She held the key to Noel's heart from the moment he first met her. That's because Keira doesn't judge. She can see beyond the superficial things that often divide us. When Noel struggles, Keira is there to remind him he need only do his best, with integrity and kindness, and a will to do the right thing. When he sees only darkness, Keira is ready to lend a paw and lift him back into the light. Based on the real Keira and Noel and their life together, Keira & Me captures the true, powerful bond between human and animal. Inspiring, healing and a heartfelt celebration of love, this beautifully illustrated fable teaches us all how to embrace the ups with the downs, the joy and the sorrow, that make up a life. For animal lovers everywhere, or anyone who needs a little comfort this Christmas, Keira & Me promises to break your heart - and put it back together again.

47. Raised By The Zoo H/B

by Gerry Creighton

€20.99

People have been enchanted by elephants for centuries. For Gerry Creighton, this fascination began at an early age; his father was a keeper at Dublin Zoo and instilled in him a love and respect for animals. Gerry followed his father and joined the zoo at 15, where he would spend the next 36 years observing, studying and caring for elephants. Raised by the Zoo tells the story of Gerry’s life in service to the many animals at Dublin Zoo – a place that holds fond memories for every family across Ireland. Filled with a lively cast of the zoo’s inhabitants – including Lucy the Chimp and Upali the Elephant – it captures a pivotal period in Dublin Zoo’s history and underscores the importance of environmental conservation efforts around the world. Author Bio

48. Rememberings

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

49. The Monk (Updated Ed) P/B

by Paul Williams

€11.99

*THE EXPLOSIVE BESTSELLER, NOW UPDATED TO INCLUDE THE GANGLAND TRIAL OF THE CENTURY** On the streets of the tough Dublin inner-city neighbourhood where he grew up, Gerry Hutch was perceived as an ordinary decent criminal, a quintessential Robin Hood figure who fought the law - and won. To the rest of the world he was an elusive criminal godfather called the Monk: an enigmatic criminal mastermind and the leader of one side in the deadliest gangland feud in Irish criminal history. This fully revised and updated edition of Paul Williams' classic bestseller reveals the inside story of Hutch's war with former allies the Kinahan cartel, his years on the run and the drama of his trial and shock acquittal on murder charges relating to the Regency Hotel raid. The Monk is an enthralling account of the rise and fall of a modern-day gangster, charting the violent journey of an impoverished kid from the ghetto to the top tier of gangland and the deadly enemies he amassed along the way

50. Chased by pandas

by Dan Martin

€11.99

'This is Dan Martin's long-awaited autobiography, full of 'the warmth, sharp insights and vivid colour of his 14-year career' Guardian Known, thanks to his racing style and attitude, for being one of road cycling's last romantics, Dan has always shied away from revealing too much about himself and his story. Now, having retired at the end of the 2021 season aged 35 and no longer bound by the constraints of the racing circuit, Dan feels the time is right to tell his story in the same forthright and honest manner that he rode his bike. This book reflects Dan's generous and outspoken spirit, his resilience to pain, crashes, bad luck and, finally, his acceptance of destiny. Each chapter's title has a sub-title based on a typical cyclist's fear: the fear of losing a race, the fear of retiring from the sport, the fear of mountains or downhills, the fear of doping and, ultimately, the fear of death. Dan also discusses every aspect of the professional cyclist's life - food, discipline, money, dreams, friendship and betrayal. Dan is unashamed when it comes to exposing these dark feelings, his weaknesses and how he tried to deal with them, his attitude exemplifying Mark Twain's quote: 'Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear'. Written with his long-time friend and best-selling author Pierre Carrey, this is the story of a rider who never sought to conform to modern cycling's norms and someone who, in many ways, embodies an age in cycling which has long since disappeared. This is the celebration of a true cyclist's career, which will appeal to anyone who's embraced the weekend ride whilst dreaming of the mountains. '[Chased by Pandas ] is not a conventional study of wins, losses and conquering mountains but overcoming the mental challenges of a sport into which he was seemingly born' The Times 'Records the brave and tough journey of 'one of road cycling's last romantics' Irish Independent 'Chronicles the former Irish road champion's journey through the ranks of professional cycling' Cycling Weekly

51. Never better

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.

52. We don't know ourselves

by Fintan O'Toole

€15.08

The #1 Irish Times bestseller WINNER of the An Post Irish Book Awards 'A clear-eyed, myth-dispelling masterpiece' Marian Keyes 'Sweeping, authoritative and profoundly intelligent' Colm Tóibìn, Guardian 'With the pace and twists of an enthralling novel' Irish Times 'Evocative, moving, funny and furious' Dominic Sandbrook, Sunday Times 'An enthralling, panoramic book' Patrick Radden Keefe 'A book that will remain important for a very long time' An Post Irish Book Award We Don't Know Ourselves is a very personal vision of recent Irish history from the year of O'Toole's birth, 1958, down to the present. Ireland has changed almost out of recognition during those decades, and Fintan O'Toole's life coincides with that arc of transformation. The book is a brilliant interweaving of memories (though this is emphatically not a memoir) and engrossing social and historical narrative. This was the era of Eamon de Valera, Jack Lynch, Charles Haughey and John Charles McQuaid, of sectarian civil war in the North and the Pope's triumphant visit in 1979, but also of those who began to speak out against the ruling consensus - feminists, advocates for the rights of children, gay men and women coming out of the shadows. We Don't Know Ourselves is an essential book for anyone who wishes to understand modern Ireland.

53. The Grass Ceiling TPB

by Eimear Ryan

€15.99

What is it like to be a girl, or a woman, in a male-dominated sporting world? If you play on the boys' team, more people pay attention - but you get treated like an alien. When you switch to playing with girls and women, you have to live with a smaller audience, diminished status, and - if you're a professional - lower pay. And what if - as is the case for camogie player Eimear Ryan - the sport that you play has a different name for women than it does for men, despite identical rules? And what if you don't even 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 between 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 every girl - and boy - who sets out to participate in sport.

54. The rodfather

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.

55. A Woman In Defence TPB

by Karina Molloy

€14.99

Karina Molloy is a remarkable woman and an outstanding soldier. During her 31-year career in the Irish Defence Forces, she gained many firsts. First female to get promoted to Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) rank in the Irish Defence Forces. First to attempt the Army Ranger Wing selection course – Ireland’s SAS equivalent – when it was considered impossible for female soldiers due to their status as non-combatants. And, to date, Karina has the most overseas service as a female Senior NCO, with a total of eleven tours of duty in five different mission areas under her belt. But despite her pioneering career, Karina faced many setbacks as a woman in an institution rife with misogyny – from sexual harassment and assault to routine bullying. And yet she persevered. A Woman in Defence is the often shocking story of a pioneering soldier who, through dogged determination, resilience and talent, forged her way in a man’s world, and who continues today on a mission to make the Irish Army a safe and equitable place for women.

56. Almost there

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.

57. Yank P/B

by John Crawley

€15.26

April 1975. A young Irish-American from New York is on a mission to enlist in an elite unit of the US Marine Corps. His goal: to receive the most intensive military training possible, and then move to Ireland to join the IRA and fight to end British occupation. In this powerful and brutally honest memoir, John Crawley details the gruelling challenges of his Marine Corp boot camp; after moving to Dublin to join the IRA Crawley, now known with the movement as ‘The Yank’, is sent to Boston to work with notorious American mobster James ‘Whitey’ Bulger to amass an illegal shipment of weapons. Ordered to return to Ireland with the arms, Crawley is then captured on the Marita Ann gun running trawler off the Kerry coast, imprisoned, and upon release became one of the masterminds behind an operation to knock out London's electrical system. Crawley is blisteringly candid about those he worked with, including fascinating portrayals of IRA leader Martin McGuinness, and of the psychopathic Whitey Bulger. Crawley is unflinching in his commentary on IRA leadership and their tactics, and through it all comes the steadfast voice of a man on a mission, providing an evocative and passionate account where that mission led him and why. To this day, he remains committed to the establishment of all-Ireland Republic

58. Joey Dunlop

by Stuart Barker

€11.59

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.

59. Beyond the tape

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.

60. Overcoming

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

61. Ranger 22

by Ray Goggins

€11.69

'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

62. Angela's ashes

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.

63. The pocket Michael Collins

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.

64. Philip Lynott: Renegade

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.