Irish Sport Books

by Alan Shipnuck

€17.99

The definitive biography of Rory McIlroy, the most important, popular and confounding player of the post-Tiger era, Rory McIlroy contains multitudes. He can overwhelm a golf course with his transcendent talent and then, at the next tournament, look utterly lost. McIlroy is golf's most eloquent ambassador and a trash-talking troll, sometimes in the same press conference. The child of a working-class family from a small town in a war-torn homeland now commutes to work in his own private jet and counts billionaires as confidants. A dozen years ago, McIlroy asked Alan Shipnuck a question about the player he had modeled himself after, Tiger Woods: 'What's he really like?' As McIlroy enters the last act of his highly eventful career, this book is a chance to redirect that old question and try to understand a man of deep complexity and contradictions. McIlroy's victory at the 2025 Masters packed such an emotional punch because he is golf's most vulnerable superstar. Across two decades as a pro he has been the anti-Tiger, letting fans into his heart and into his world. When McIlroy collapsed onto the final green at Augusta National, having at last completed the career Grand Slam, golf fans cried along with him because so many saw themselves in his struggles. But there is much that the public does not know about McIlroy. With reporting chops honed across thirty years on the golf beat, Shipnuck traces McIlroy's evolution from a young phenom in Northern Ireland to a game-changing force on and off the golf course. Shipnuck has shadowed McIlroy throughout his career, and he brings to life all the heartbreaks and triumphs with thrilling immediacy and unparalleled access. Tabloid romance, bitter business disputes, divisive politicking - it is all part of this portrait of a man in full. Shipnuck has long been known as the most fearless writer on the golf beat, and he goes deep into McIlroy's personal history at a time when the spotlight on Rory has never been brighter. Ideal for readers who… want a definitive, character-rich portrait of Rory McIlroy—his genius, inconsistency, and emotional candour love modern sports biographies with deep reporting, behind-the-scenes access, and real stakes are fascinated by the post-Tiger era of golf and the personalities shaping the sport’s future enjoy stories of ambition and identity, from working-class roots to global celebrity want the context around McIlroy’s career highs and lows, including the journey to the career Grand Slam

by Dave Hannigan

€16.99

No Irish sportsperson has had more written and said about him. None has had more of substance to say for himself. Across nearly four tumultuous decades, from callow teen prospect to grey bearded influencer, Roy Keane has transcended sport, redefined the parameters of fame, and captivated the nation. Our hopes, dreams and sometimes our despair have been wrapped up in him, his exploits and outbursts. Oscillating between national treasure and national argument, he put the manic in talismanic, bestriding Lansdowne Road one minute, getting booed there the next. If the sporting heroes of every era offer a window into a society, We Need to Talk About Roy is a fascinating portrait of who and what we were in the age of Keane, showcasing our vices and virtues, our fortunes and foibles. The best of us, the worst of us. Drink. Religion. United. Begrudgery. The Celtic Tiger. Tabloidization. Saipan. Touching on all the major themes and teams, this remarkable book is a refreshing and entertaining look at how the life and times of our greatest footballer is the story of modern Ireland itself. His progress and pitfalls, revolutions and evolution uniquely intertwined with those of the country that made him. He is of Ireland and Ireland is of him. Ideal for readers who… want a smart, funny, culturally sharp look at Roy Keane as more than a footballer love Irish sports writing that doubles as a portrait of the nation and its changing moods are interested in the big Irish touchstones of the era—Saipan, the Celtic Tiger, tabloidization, and “begrudgery” enjoy biographies that explore fame, identity, and public perception as much as results on the pitch want a highly readable, entertainment-packed lens on modern Ireland through its most polarising sporting icon

by Davy Russell

€11.99

'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, his 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.

by Peter Bills

€13.19

'An entertaining and whimsical search for "the soul of Irish rugby"... Peppered with astute observations' Irish Times 'Triumphs, Trophies and Troubles has got Irish rugby just right in this the 150th anniversary season of the IRFU' Willie John McBride FOREWORD by former Ireland fly half Ollie Campbell 'In a world going all too fast, Peter Bills has the time, the wit and the attention to detail for stories that would otherwise be lost. His is an easy style, a remembering of times and values not just of the Saturday internationals past but of the grassroots members who keep rugby alive to this day.' Keith Wood In late 2024 Ireland, with a population of just 7 million people, stood at the top of rugby union's world rankings. Ireland's rise to such an exalted position has been the great triumph of rugby's professional era. For a nation that fought tooth and nail to keep the game amateur, their progress since 2000 has been extraordinary. The trophies, once so rare in Irish rugby hands, have become almost commonplace. Six Nations Championships, Triple Crowns, Millennium Trophies have all stood in the IRFU offices in Dublin. But that is the top tier of the game. What is the health of the sport at other levels all around Ireland? In this book award-winning international rugby writer Peter Bills seeks to take the pulse of the game at every level - schools, clubs, provinces - as well as the fast-expanding women's game. For if rugby at grassroots level withers, the decline will affect everyone. And how can rugby learn to live side by side with the ubiquitous GAA? Featuring interviews with some legendary names of Irish rugby, such as Keith Wood, Willie John McBride, Tony Ward, Bill Mulcahy, Gordon D'Arcy, Trevor Ringland, Nigel Carr and Tommy Bowe, we also hear from men and women from junior and club rugby, at clubs like Dingle, Kinsale, Monkstown, Boyne, Westport, City of Derry, Donegal Town, Omagh and Oughterard. All of them are doing stirring work behind the scenes for their local clubs and communities as Bills goes in search of the soul of Irish rugby.

by David Gillick

€18.49

Ideal for readers who: Will click with sports memoirs about what competition really costs Like the sound of the split seconds, setbacks and sacrifices behind elite athletics Are intrigued by training camps, championships and the lonely margins of top-level sport Would welcome candid, motivating reflection with Irish perspective 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 Conor Niland

€10.99

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 Ciarán Murphy

€16.99

Ideal for readers who: Are fascinated by hurling and the culture around it. Enjoy books where a beginner throws himself into a serious sporting challenge. Would like a story rooted in West Waterford, the Gaeltacht and club life. Prefer sports writing that is funny, curious and deeply informed. 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 Ciara Mageean

€21.99

Few Irish track athletes are as universally loved as Ciara Mageean, who has remained endearingly down-to-earth, candid and optimistic despite the dramatic twists and turns of her world-class career. In 2024 she finally won a European title, crossing the line to secure that gold medal in a moment of pure euphoria. Two months later, at the peak of her power, an excruciating injury derailed her once again, forcing an eleventh-hour withdrawal from the Paris Olympics. In the City of Love she went, overnight, from competitor to heartbroken tourist. Nothing, she thought, will ever be as bad as this … and then she got the worst news of her life. My Greatest Race is a sports memoir like no other, a devastating contrast between the elite athlete road that so few get to travel and the all-too-familiar cancer journey that so many do. Ideal for readers who… follow Irish athletics and want an intimate, behind-the-scenes account of life at the top level love sports memoirs that go beyond medals to reveal the emotional reality of setbacks and survival have faced cancer personally, through family, or as a caregiver—and want an honest, humane story are drawn to resilience narratives rooted in candour, optimism, and hard-earned perspective want an unforgettable true story where ambition, identity, and health collide

by Eimear Ní Bhraonáin

€17.99

Ideal for readers who: Follow Irish sports books that look beyond glory into what came after. Are drawn to true stories of fame, deception and public betrayal. Would want the inside story of D.J. Carey, Kilkenny hurling and a national shock. Prefer investigative non-fiction that is sharp, gripping and unsettling. 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 Marc Ó Sé

€20.99

Ideal for readers who: Follow Gaelic football stories rooted in family, place and ambition. Enjoy sports memoirs shaped by legacy, pressure and sibling comparison. Would like to step into Kerry football and the culture of An Ghaeltacht. Prefer candid sporting books rich in anecdote and personality. In a county where success is weighed in medals, the Ó Sé brothers all hung up their boots with heavy hearts but even heavier pockets: a combined total of 16 All-Irelands, 28 Munsters and 12 All-Stars making their way back to An Ghaeltacht – a haul which is unlikely to be surpassed by a set of siblings any time soon. Marc Ó Sé is the youngest member of the most famous footballing family in Ireland – the Ó Sé family. As such, his football path was clear and his mission was understood. Not only did Marc have his brothers to emulate; in Kerry the voices from the past can often speak loudest. How loud is that volume when your own uncle is the inimitable Páidì Ó Sé? More than just a revealing account of Marc’s own glittering career, Ó Sé is laden with the tales and anecdotes, and the successes and failures that have marked the storied history of this footballing dynasty.

by Martin Breheny

€22.99

Pulse of the Nation is a celebration of the GAA's 140 years at the centre of Irish life, from its foundation in November 1884 to the present-day institution that has expanded massively at home and abroad. It zones in on the greatest players in football and hurling, ranking them one-to-ten, accompanied by profiles, in each of the fifteen positions in both codes. The 'greatest day' for all 32 counties is explored, along with a trawl through the various competitions, from the All-Ireland championships with their 'Heartbeat of the Irish Summer' billing, to those that were once popular but are no longer in place. Controversies are explored, the changed managerial environment is assessed - including the impact of some of the biggest names from Kevin Heffernan to Mick O'Dwyer, from Brian Cody to John Kiely - and the covers are lifted on the GAA's role in Ireland's social and cultural history, including the growth in popularity of camogie and ladies' football. Written by award-winning sports journalists Martin Breheny and Donal Keenan, this is the ultimate publication for the GAA's 140th anniversary.

by John Scally

€12.76

Here are Irish Rugby's most legendary, celebratory and brilliant moments from the 1940s to today. 110 Great Irish Rugby Moments is a unique celebration of the sport's most significant moments. Featuring: - Grand Slam Glory for both Irish Men and Women. - A first Series win in New Zealand. - A drawn Series in South Africa. - European glory for Ulster, Munster and Leinster. - Connacht winning the Pro 12. - Ireland women achieve double defeat of mighty New Zealand. These epic moments are based on exclusive interviews with the game's biggest stars and most colourful personalities including Fiona Coghlan, Peter Clohessy, Ciaran Fitzgerald, Willie John McBride, Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara and many more of the great and good of Irish Rugby. Enjoy a host of brilliant anecdotes and remarkable insights into the controversies, epic matches, thrilling contests and pivotal events on and off the field which shaped these 110 GREAT IRISH RUGBY MOMENTS. 'This is an informative, insightful and impressive account of Irish rugby's greatest moments from the pre Jack Kyle epoch to the post Johnny Sexton era. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.' Ollie Campbell

by Andrew Porter

€21.99

Ideal for readers who: Want sports memoirs that meet success with honesty, grief and vulnerability Are interested in how personal loss and mental health shape an elite career Care about Irish rugby, life off the pitch and the making of resilience Prefer inspiring nonfiction that is open-hearted without losing its toughness 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 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 Liam O'Callaghan

€14.36

Liam O'Callaghan's revelatory Blood and Thunder shows that the rise of Irish rugby is inextricable from the tensions, debates and divisions - of politics, religion and class - that have defined modern Irish history. Despite the political partition of the island, Ireland competes at rugby internationally with an all-island team - and with a bespoke anthem that nobody loves but everyone tolerates. Ireland has become a leading rugby nation despite its tiny population and the fact that the sport is only the fourth most popular team game on the island by participation. In Blood and Thunder, O'Callaghan traces the dramatic evolution whereby a rugby nation that was deeply attached to amateurism has made such a dramatic success of professionalism. From the sequence of events that led Ireland's private Catholic secondary schools to embrace rugby, to the controversies and crises that have shaken Irish rugby - including the Northern Troubles, the Belfast rape trial, and the rising toll of head injuries - Blood and Thunder tells the rich and fascinating story of Irish rugby. Blood and Thunder is more than a social and political history of Irish rugby. It is also a shadow-history of modern Ireland, rooted in brilliant original research and packed with terrific stories.

by Conor Murray

€21.99

Ideal for readers who: Enjoy rugby memoir and modern sporting biography Are interested in the career, mindset and legacy of Conor Murray Want a book that moves from Thomond Park to the international stage Like sports life writing with reflection, perspective and honesty 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 Andy Farrell

€24.99

The Only Way I Know: The Autobiography Andy Farrell’s life has moved from rugby-league rookie to international coaching legend. This is his story — told with warmth, honesty and heart. At just 16, Andy made his first-team debut for Wigan Warriors — and became a father. He later earned the Man of Steel award, switched codes to rugby union, and represented England and Saracens at elite levels. As a coach, he’s led Ireland to Six Nations glory and gained praise for his leadership and vision. In this deeply personal memoir, he reflects on the challenges, sacrifices and moments of daring that shaped him — from the playing field to the touchline — and shares what rugby has taught him about life, identity, and legacy.

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 Pat Smullen

€17.99

Pat Smullen was one of the greatest Irish jockeys ever. In a career laden with success, his position as one of the country's best ever flat jockeys was long established. And yet, despite being a nine-time champion jockey, his humility defined him.   It was this strength of character that sustained him when, in March 2018, Pat was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. There was never any self-pity. He just dealt with it. And more than that, he brought it centre stage: raising funds and awareness, and channelling his energies into helping others. Pat was a champion in all aspects of life, no matter what setbacks were thrown at him. Tragically, his life was cut short far too early in September 2020.   Written in the months before his death, with the assistance of Donn McClean and completed by Pat's wife, Frances Crowley, Champion is the inspirational story of the jockey whose legacy lives on.     'From incredible highs to devastating lows, the championship battles and mental turmoil, the Derby winners and cancer heartbreak, Pat has left more than a legacy. Read this and you will agree with me - he is iconic.' Ruby Walsh   'Pat tells his story with the same honesty and humility that defined him as a person. He was a remarkable man and his is a compelling story.' Sir Anthony Mccoy   'Pat was an amazing man, a man of dignity who went about life with a smile on his face. He is an example to all of us.' Frankie Dettori   'Inspiring, heart-breaking and unforgettable.' Brough Scott

by Barry Flynn

€16.99

Did You Know? On 6 February 1961, Danny Blanchflower became the first, and only, person to refuse to appear as the subject of This is Your Life when he turned down Eamonn Andrews live on BBC TV. From 1882 until 1931, international teams representing the Irish Football Association wore sky blue jerseys rather than green ones. In February 1963, when football grounds in England were unplayable due to the 'big freeze', Manchester United played three of their games in Ireland. The Little Book of Irish Football is a compendium of fascinating, obscure and entertaining stories about the Beautiful Game on the Emerald Isle. It brings to life some of the long-lost tales about how the game grew and thrived across the island. It also explores the division of football in Ireland and the famous players and teams that have stolen the headlines over the decades. The various chapters bring to life the highs and lows of Irish football, telling tales of glory and strife amid adversity.A reliable and quirky guide, this little reference book can be dipped into time and again to reveal something new about the fascinating history of association football in Ireland, as well as the many characters and fans who have brought the game the life over the decades.

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.

by John Scally

€12.76

This delightful book will be enjoyed and cherished by GAA fans old and young. - Dermot Earley Gaelic Games have a unique capacity to lift the spirits but they also have created many extraordinary moments. In the GAA world the truth is stranger than fiction and often funnier. This book celebrates the extraordinary moments in the GAA's long and distinguished history. Representing all counties, it features Gaelic football, hurling, ladies' football and camogie. Read about the star player who grabbed Ger Cunningham's balls; Seán Boylan's experience in the maternity ward; what happened when Pat Spillane took the DART; Ger Loughnane and the night life in Amsterdam; Paidì Ó'Sé and the tractor; the Galway icon who did not wear his socks; the Meath legend's love affair; Clare's sex scandal; the tender affection to a top pundit; the man who silenced Joe Brolly; the Dublin star who runs like a chicken; Garret Fitzgerald's flirtation with hurling; Jack Lynch's inspiration; and the GAA and Lady Diana. An uplifting must-read for all sports fans and lovers of Gaelic Games.

by Zach Tuohy

€22.19

Whether it's committing to a tackle, being a dad or writing a memoir, if Zach Tuohy goes in, he goes 'all in' During his childhood in County Laois, Zach Tuohy's first love was Gaelic football. But when an Australian football club came knocking with a professional contract, the then-seventeen-year-old leapt at the opportunity to travel across the world and come to grips with an oval ball. Despite a rocky start navigating a Carlton Football Club in disarray and becoming a father at twenty-three, Zach went on to become one of the greatest success stories of the 'Irish Experiment'. A move to the Geelong Cats made him a star rebounding defender and cult favourite player, and in 2022 he reached the pinnacle of his adopted code, winning a Premiership medal. In 2023, Zach set a new record for the number of AFL games played by an Irish player, passing the effort of the great Jim Stynes. With characteristic devil-may care attitude and determination, Zach writes candidly about his time as a minor league Gaelic football player, and his experiences in Australia, recounting the good, the bad and the downright hilarious. He has plenty to say about the relationships between the indigenous codes of GAA and the AFL, and what needs to change secure the future of Irish and Australian footballers alike.

by John Scally

€14.99

As we mark the 140th anniversary of the founding of the GAA, this book is a celebration of the greatest treasure in its long and illustrious history: its people. In a fast-changing world, the GAA has given us a fixed point in our lives and Gaelic games have given us so many truly extraordinary people. Each of their unique stories in some way offers a revealing snapshot of the GAA, as we salute the great and the good of Gaelic football, ladies' football, camogie and hurling - along with some less obvious and surprising choices - featuring John B. Keane, Rena Buckley, Brian Cody, Eamonn Cregan, Brian D'Arcy, Mickey Harte, the 2 Johnnies, Shane Lowry, Paul Mescal, John O'Donohue, Martin O'Neill, Hannah Tyrell and many more. And with fascinating revelations like Séamus Mallon's personal memory of the Good Friday Agreement, the superstar who kneeled before Jimmy Magee, John O'Mahony's late evening and Ger Loughnane's big regret, this is the perfect way to celebrate the extraordinary people of the GAA.

by Jackie McCarthy O'Brien

€16.99

Ideal for readers who: Enjoy memoirs shaped by Irish life, identity and hard-won resilience Are drawn to extraordinary true stories of sport, survival, family and self-discovery Like books rooted in Limerick, Irish society and the realities of growing up on the margins Want candid, warm life writing with humour, honesty and emotional force '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 Hayley Kilgallon

€23.99

After first emerging in the 1920s, ladies Gaelic football was soon sidelined; breathless women chasing after a football was just too unladylike for the powers that be. Despite this resistance, the sport became a popular novelty act at local carnivals. And when the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) was founded in Tipperary in July 1974, fifty years of extraordinary growth were set in motion. From writing the rule book to a membership of nearly 200,000, the earliest All-Stars to game-changing partnerships, this definitive history captures that unstoppable journey to becoming a national sport and so much more. Lavishly illustrated and drawing from national, club and personal archives, UNLADYLIKE is for the players, the fans, the kit-washers, the sandwich-makers and the supporters alike, and confirms the best is yet to come.  

by Bernie Collins

€12.99

‘Bernie is not only a great strategist, but also a great team player and competitor’ - Sebastian Vettel THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER Race-winning team strategist shows how F1 really works. Welcome to Bernie Collins’ world. Formula 1 drivers are the public face of Grand Prix racing but behind every driver is a team of several hundred people sharing the same passionate desire to win. On race day it’s the Team Strategist who calls the shots, working under immense pressure to make split-second and crucial decisions. Through her eyes and experience as a Performance Engineer and Head of Race Strategy, Bernie takes you behind the scenes of a Formula 1 team — both in the factory and at the races — to uncover what it takes to put two Formula 1 cars on the grid and go racing. How to Win a Grand Prix gives incredible insight into the entire process from design and construction, through pre-season testing, and how a team prepares for each Grand Prix. For race weekend itself, Bernie recreates it hour-by-hour to plunge the reader behind the pit wall and see what it’s actually like to get from grid to podium.

by Eimear Ryan

€13.19

'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 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 Siobhán Doyle

€24.95

The GAA is a part of the Irish consciousness and plays an influential role in Irish society that extends far beyond the sport itself. In popular imagination and experience, the GAA is often evoked in terms of its objects: medals passed down from generation to generation, jerseys worn in All-Ireland finals, Michael Cusack’s blackthorn stick, a pair of glasses damaged during the events of Bloody Sunday. The objects of the GAA range from the informal to the formal and are key to the construction of both personal and official histories. This book repositions a range of objects, originating from the GAA, into the expanded field of Irish history by placing them as central to our understanding of past ideas and experiences. A History of the GAA in 100 Objects acts as a signpost to significant moments in GAA history, offers fresh perspectives on a previously overlooked area of enquiry and presents new ideas not available elsewhere.

by Kellie Harrington

€11.99

THE PHENOMENAL MEMOIR OF A NATIONAL TREASURE After Kellie Harrington won gold at the Tokyo Olympics, the Irish public recognized her as not merely a sporting hero, but a deeply inspirational human being. Now, Kellie tells the story of her unlikely journey to the top, and of the many obstacles and setbacks she overcame along the way. Growing up in Dublin's north inner city, Kellie was in danger of going down the wrong path in life before she discovered boxing. The local boxing club was all-male and initially wouldn't let her join, but she persisted. She was not an overnight success. For years she struggled in international competition. At times she felt unsupported by the national boxing set-up. More than once she considered giving up the sport. But some spark of ambition and love for boxing kept her going, and gradually she made herself world class. Writing with Roddy Doyle, the award-winning author of The Commitments, Kellie tells the story of her unlikely rise to greatness and her continuing dedication to living a normal life - which has involved remaining an amateur boxer and keeping the job she loves, at a Dublin psychiatric hospital. She shares exceptionally vivid and revealing details about being a woman in a historically male sport, and about how she manages her body and her mind. It is a vastly inspiring look inside the life and psychology of a woman who is both brilliantly ordinary and utterly exceptional.

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

by Keith Earls

€10.43

Irish Sports Book Award 2021 Winner! Fight Or Flight: My Life, My Choices is the autobiography of Irish rugby legend Keith Earls. Keith Earls started out in senior rugby as a teenage star and during the course of his long career has become one of the most admired and respected players of his generation. A British & Irish Lion at the age of 21, he is now closing in on his 34th birthday and still playing at the top of his game. He has won 93 caps for Ireland and played over 180 games in the famous red of Munster. He started every match of the 2018 Six Nations campaign that culminated in an Irish Grand Slam victory. A lethal finisher blessed with a sprinter’s speed, Earls is the second-highest try scorer of all time for his country. With Munster he is one try short of the all-time total and looks set to break that record next season. Yet, Earls has achieved these milestones whilst being racked by private battles with his mental health for most of his career. A number of crises brought him to the brink of voluntary retirement from the game. A native of Limerick city, Earls grew up in one of its most socially disadvantaged housing estates. Moyross was blighted by crime and violence and he did not escape unscathed from the surrounding fear and trauma visited upon his beloved community. His natural talent brought him into the privileged bastion of elite rugby union. His autobiography tells the story of his long struggle to reconcile the world whence he came with the world opened up by his brilliance with an oval ball. Earls has maintained a low profile throughout his career. For the first time he will talk in depth and at length about the inner turmoil that went unseen by team-mates, friends and fans. It is a confessional, intimate and courageous story of the pain that was a constant companion to the glory. Earls says: “It’s not me at all to be doing anything remotely like an autobiography. I don’t like talking about myself, I don’t like bringing attention to myself. And I guess that’s one reason why I am doing it. We’re supposed to get out of our comfort zone. I’ve learned enough along the way to know that much. It’s where your progress and growth happens. I hope if I can share some of my life experiences here, it might inspire others.”

by Mickey Harte

€11.59

A moving and lyrical memoir about life, love and loss, from a true giant of Gaelic games.In a frenetic seven-year spell at the outset of his senior managerial career, Mickey Harte led Tyrone to four Ulster Championships and three All-Irelands. It was a run that shifted football's balance of power, changed the way the game would be played for over a generation, and cemented his reputation as one of the most transformative figures in GAA history.Then, in January 2011, the visitation of a shocking tragedy changed everything: Mickey's daughter Michaela was murdered while on honeymoon in Mauritius, and the Harte family, grief-stricken, awoke to find themselves at the centre of an international news story.Devotion, the product of a collaboration between Mickey and author Brendan Coffey, is many things. The story of a family's decade-long struggle to come to terms with an almost unimaginable loss. A meditation on the ways in which faith, community, and sport can sustain us in our most difficult moments. And, finally, a portrait of one of Irish sport's true icons, as he brings one legendary era to a close and steels himself for a final assault on the history books

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 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 Roy Keane

€15.07

A publishing phenomenon in hardback, Roy Keane's autobiography was the biggest selling sports book of the year. The book will include a new chapter covering events that followed the books publication: Keane's vindication by the FAI report; the punishment meted out by the FA and Mick McCarthy's resignation. Brilliantly reviewed, Roy Keane's riveting, brutally honest autobiography has the potential to be one of the year's biggest paperback bestsellers.

by Roy Keane

€12.76

'ENDLESSLY ABSORBING' Mail on Sunday 'MASTERPIECE' The Times 'RUTHLESS' Daily Telegraph 'INCOMPARABLE' Sunday Mirror 'SEARINGLY HONEST' The Sun The No.1 bestselling memoir of Roy Keane, former captain of Manchester United and Ireland In a stunning collaboration with Booker Prize-winning author Roddy Doyle, Roy Keane gives a brutally honest account of his days as a player, the highs and lows of his managerial career and his life as an outspoken ITV pundit. As part of a tiny elite of football players, Roy Keane has had a life like no other. His status as one of football's greatest stars is undisputed, but what of the challenges beyond the pitch? How did he succeed in coming to terms with life as a former Manchester United and Ireland leader and champion, reinventing himself as a manager and then a broadcaster, and cope with the psychological struggles this entailed? THE SECOND HALF blends anecdote and reflection in Roy Keane's inimitable voice. The result is an unforgettable personal odyssey which fearlessly challenges the meaning of success.

by Wayne Barton

€10.99

George Best : the games, the goals, the glory: the complete untold story

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 Paul O'Connell

€12.75

The revelatory autobiography of a rugby colossus: Paul O'Connell. WINNER OF THE CROSS SPORTS BOOK AWARDS RUGBY BOOK OF THE YEAR There has never been a rugby player quite like Paul O'Connell. He is synonymous with passion, heart and determination; but he is also the thinking man's rugby player, a legendary student of the game. As the heartbeat of Munster, British and Irish Lions captain in 2009, and captain of the first Ireland team to defend a Six Nations championship, O'Connell has emerged as perhaps the most beloved of the golden generation of Irish rugby players. In an autobiography as intense as its author, he tells the story of his remarkable career. 'The years of O'Connell and O'Driscoll were as close to a golden age as ever Ireland will get and O'Connell's book tells you how it all happened ... It should be mandatory for every Irish squad member to read O'Connell's book to better understand what it takes to make a team' David Walsh, Sunday Times 'O'Connell has emptied the tank here. ... What has come out ... is a psychological profile that is almost shocking at times in what it reveals about the bloody single-mindedness of the competitive gene' Hilary A. White, Irish Independent 'The intense physicality of his rugby upbringing is an abiding theme ... along with humour, the craic and an extensive knowledge of how teams work' Paul Hayward, Daily Telegraph 'I found The Battle entrancing' Stephen Jones, Sunday Times 'Excellent ... [an] eye-opening account of the never-ending battles he fought' Rugby World 'Revelatory ... Unflinchingly charts his personal evolution ... He is not at all easy on himself' Keith Duggan, Irish Times

by Anna Deacon

€17.39

What makes the perfect swim? It's all about the most magical locations (and how to protect them), finessing your kitbag, keeping yourself and others safe ... and maybe discovering a nice place for a warm-up cuppa and cake. Whether you're a seasoned dipper or a fledgling, The Art of Wild Swimming is the ultimate guide to becoming an awesome, joyful and responsible swimmer. From the dramatic Atlantic bays to cascading waterfalls and secret pools, the rugged Causeway Coast to the secluded loughs of the Wicklow Mountains, locals who know the secrets of their patch share over 100 spectacular swim spots across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Now they are yours to explore too.

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.

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 Martin O'Neill

€16.99

Ideal for readers who: Follow football books that explain how the game has evolved over decades. Like insider analysis from managers who have worked at the highest level. Would enjoy moving from Leicester and Celtic to Ireland and the modern era. Prefer thoughtful sports writing packed with first-hand insight. This is a book about the development of football in the last half century. Changes in life are inevitable. So why not football? And I have witnessed many changes in the professional game, some good, some not so good. In The Changing Game stellar manager Martin O'Neill offers his unique perspective on decades of footballing history. Bringing his sharp instincts and intellect through his tenures as manager for Leicester City, Celtic and the Republic of Ireland, fans will enjoy the first-hand anecdotes of how to prepare for and play against the titans of the game. Encompassing the successes, failures and near-misses of iconic managers including Clough, Cruyff, Wenger, Ferguson, Mourinho, Klopp and Guardiola, Martin explores every aspect of contemporary football at the highest levels, including how we deal with injuries, foreign influences on the British game, the changing roles of managers, coaches and agents, and the effect of social media and wage structures on players. Charting the evolution of the top levels of professional football from the beginning of O'Neill's career in 1971 all the way to the present day, this book is an unmissable companion for all lovers of the beautiful game.

by Martin O'Neill

€15.08

Martin O'Neill has had one of the most incredible careers in football - winning European Cups, captaining his country at a world cup, and decades as a hugely successful manager. On Days Like These tells his fascinating story in his own words for the first time. 'Entertaining . . . An extraordinary career' - The Guardian A key part of Brian Clough's legendary Nottingham Forest team in the '70s and early '80s, Martin also represented Northern Ireland more than sixty times and led them at the 1982 World Cup. As a manager he took Leicester City to two League Cups, Celtic to seven trophies, and the Republic of Ireland to the European Championship in 2016. Martin tells of his exhilarating highs and painful lows; from the joys of winning trophies and promotion to making the difficult decision to retire as a player, boardroom drama, relegation scraps and being fired. Written with his trademark forthright honesty and humour, On Days Like These is a must-read for any fan of the beautiful game. 'You'll never get your head out of this . . . The stories are fantastic' - John Motson, legendary football commentator

by Richie Sadlier

€14.99

Winner of the An Post Irish Sports Book of the Year Award, longlisted for The William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award. When a career-ending injury saw former Ireland and Millwall striker Richie Sadlier retire from football at age 24, his life spiraled out of control. Without structure or a sense of purpose, and fueled by a dependency on alcohol, he spent years running from the dark memories and feelings that had haunted him since childhood. Until one day, he hit rock bottom and decided to confront his demons. Now a successful soccer pundit, psychotherapist and mental-fitness teacher, Recovering is about a life shaped by efforts to escape, and how it is possible to rebuild a life, piece by piece, with the right help. Inspiring and groundbreaking, it is an important reflection on the need to move away from perceptions of shame in our discussions about mental health, sex, relationships and addiction.  'Not only the sports book of the year, the book of the year.' Paul Howard 'Unputdownable,' The Last Word, Today FM 'You'll go a long way to find a better autobiography. It's raw, unfiltered honesty from start to finish, a captivating account of one man's story that will resonate with so many more.' The Irish Independent 'The bravest book I've read in a long time. A really quality read written by a man who happened to be a footballer rather than a book necessarily about football.' Damien O'Meara, RTÉ  'Storytelling of the highest calibre. Richie Sadlier's autobiography is a judiciously layered and thoughtful examination of how to live a life and develop as a person despite everything. It's also relentlessly entertaining. A rare and precious example of a sports book that has both story and stories in abundance.' Malachy Clerkin, The Irish Times 'The kind of book to stop you in your tracks.' The Irish Farmers Journal

by Eric Haughan

€19.99

In late August 2014, Donegal's footballers smashed and grabbed an All-Ireland semi-final victory from Jim Gavin's seemingly unstoppable Dublin team. It would be the last Championship game the Boys in Blue would lose for 2,540 days. Their hearts hardened by that chastening experience in the old stadium, a merciless Dublin would run roughshod over the Gaelic football landscape for the next six seasons. Along the way, their footballing artistry reached heights unimaginable to even the most romantic Hill 16 disciples. Journalist and GAA nut Eric Haughan tells the story of Dublin's seven years in footballing nirvana.

by Pat Healy

€22.49

For four decades HEALY RACING has photographed the world of Irish horse racing. Delving into an archive of thousands of images, photographer Pat Healy and sports journalist Donn McClean selected over 200 golden Irish jump-racing moments. Their book captures the last decade of thrills and spills (2011-2020) - the sheer spectacle that is the Irish horse-racing scene. The sport's biggest personalities, and their horses, are celebrated through the lens: JP McManus, Michael O'Leary and Gigginstown House Stud, Rich and Susannah Ricci, Willie, Patrick and Danny Mullins, Gordon Elliott, Jessica Harrington, Jonjo O'Neill, Henry de Bromhead, Nina and Paul Carberry, Ted, Ruby and Katie Walsh, Barry Geraghty, Davy Russell, AP McCoy, Paul Townend, Jack Kennedy, Rachel Blackmore, Bryan Cooper, Robbie Power, Jamie Codd, Lisa O'Neill and so many more. For every leap of victory and fist pump, there is a crunching fall or a win that almost was: HEALY RACING has captured it all.

by Andy Lee

€16.99

In 2005, at the age of 20, Andy Lee decided he was going to try to make it in the harsh and unforgiving world of professional boxing. Leaving home for the dust and faded glamour of Detroit, over the next ten years, under the guidance of the legendary Manny Steward, he set about honing his craft, winning fight after fight, and slowly ascending the professional ranks. Then, in 2012, his star ascendant, Lee suffered two devastating blows in quick succession: defeat in his first world championship bout and the sudden loss of Steward, his guide and confidant. Bereft, his career in jeopardy, the path to redemption would test every hard-won lesson of the previous decade. 'Not so much a memoir as a lyrical treatise on the great themes: defeat, death, persistence, redemption, and the importance of friendship and family' Sunday Times

by Mark Tighe

€12.76

THE NO.1 BESTSELLER! 'I read it in one sitting, it's a superb book' Eamon Dunphy, The Stand 'An astonishing exposé' Martin Ziegler, The Times Over the course of fifteen years, John Delaney ran the Football Association of Ireland as his own personal fiefdom. He had his critics, but his power was never seriously challenged until last year, when Mark Tighe and Paul Rowan published a sequence of stories in the Sunday Times containing damaging revelations about his personal compensation and the parlous financial situation of the FAI. Delaney's reputation as a great financial manager was left in tatters. He resigned under pressure, and the FAI was left hoping for a massive bail-out from the Irish taxpayer. In Champagne Football, Tighe and Rowan dig deep into the story of Delaney's career and of the FAI's slide into ruin. They show how he surrounded himself with people whose personal loyalty he could count on, and a board that failed to notice that the association's finances were shot. They detail Delaney's skilful cultivation of opinion-formers outside the FAI. And they document the culture of excess that Delaney presided over and benefited from, to the detriment of the organization he led. Champagne Football is a gripping, sometimes darkly hilarious and often enraging piece of reporting by the award-winning journalists who finally pulled back the curtain on the FAI's mismanagement. ____________ 'Excellent' Irish Sun 'A jaw-dropping story ... brilliant' Irish Times 'Essential reading' Irish Daily Star 'Astonishing ... Side-splittingly hilarious' Guardian 'A damning account' Sunday Independent 'An instant classic, one of the all-time great Irish sports books' Alan English 'Excellent ... includes staggering detail' Daily Mail 'A cracking read ... [An] incredible amount of jaw-dropping detail' Matt Cooper 'One of the most hotly-anticipated sport books of the year' Brendan O'Connor 'A masterpiece' Tommy Martin 'At last, the truth of his ruinous reign has been rigorously and painstakingly exposed' Irish Daily Mail 'An absolutely extraordinary book' Eoin McDevitt, Second Captains 'Remarkable. The desperate story of Irish football but also a book about how Ireland works. Outstanding' Dion Fanning

by Peadar Thompson

€28.99

'After the massacre, the GAA became even more important to us as a real sense of identity. It's difficult to explain but we could cling to it in a sense, and say this is ours, this is us.' - Clare Rogan, wife of Adrian Rogan, killed by the UVF in the 1994 Loughinisland massacre.  The GAA has long been at the heart of Irish life, nurturing our culture and communities and fostering powerful social bonds. However, as sectarian conflict intensified in the North, the GAA became the object of animosity and surveillance by loyalist paramilitaries and Crown forces. Clubhouses and pitches were occupied by British forces, fans were security checked and harassed on their way to and from games, and over 150 members were killed.  Lost Gaels is the first comprehensive account of the devastating impact of the Troubles on the GAA, providing a platform for bereaved family and friends to pay homage to their lost loved ones. Capturing the deep connection between the GAA and the everyday lives of Irish people, this is a poignant and powerful tribute to the lives of lost Gaels.

by Ronan O'Gara

€12.75

Ronan O'Gara has been at the heart of Munster and Irish rugby for the past fifteen years. Now, as he comes to the end of a glittering playing career, it is time for him to reflect on those many successes and occasional failures with the straight-talking attitude that has become his trademark. Never one to shy away from the truth, the result is Ronan O'Gara: Unguarded. Packed full of anecdotes and analysis of the teammates O'Gara has been proud to share the shirt with, and of the coaches he has played under - often in controversial circumstances - this is the definitive record of an era when Munster rose to triumph in Europe, and Ireland to win the Grand Slam, before crashing down to earth again. It is simply the must-have rugby book of the year.

by Ronan O'Gara

€15.08

Ronan O'Gara is one of the greatest sportsmen Ireland has ever produced. A brilliant kicker both from the hand and at penalty goals, a sublime orchestrator of play from the out-half position he has made his own, and a cool head in the pressure-cooker of club and international rugby, the list of the Cork man's achievements goes on and on. The leading points scorer in Irish rugby history, the Six Nations and the Heineken Cup. The architect of two amazing Munster triumphs in Europe. The man whose last minute drop-goal sensationally won the Grand Slam in 2009, Ireland's first for 61 years. In his candid, illuminating autobiography, O'Gara tells the story of those many on-field successes and, with brutal honesty, the darker days as well, most notably at the 2007 World Cup. He tells the inside story of Ireland's disappointments in France, and responds to the allegations about his personal life that made front-page news that autumn. Ronan O'Gara: My Autobiography is the unforgettable story of a rugby player at the top of his game, of a life lived to the full, and of a passionate and proud representative of the people of Cork and Ireland.

by Rory Best

€15.59

'Extraordinary . . . great fun' Barry Egan, Irish Sunday Independent 'A wonderful story . . . vivid and comprehensive.' Stephen Jones, Sunday Times ''Throughout it all though there is a feeling of warmth for the sport and for others. Above all there is a sense of achievement . . . Best was never one of the glamour boys, but he deserves star billing.' Daily Telegraph Rory Best is widely-regarded as one of Ireland's greatest ever captains. Entrusted by Joe Schmidt to lead the side that looked on the wane following the 2015 World Cup, Best's inspirational leadership skills and abrasive qualities proved to be the foundation stones for the most successful period in Ireland's history. His first year in charge saw Ireland complete a hat-trick of victories against the southern hemisphere 'Big Three', including leading his side to a first ever victory over world champions New Zealand in Chicago, a feat that etched Best's place in Irish sporting folklore and ended the All Blacks' record-winning streak of 18 Test victories. Ireland's annus mirabilis under Best's captaincy would come in 2018 however, when he led the side to only their third Grand Slam title, culminating with a famous victory over England at Twickenham, and a record-breaking run of 12 successive Test victories. When he stepped down as Ireland captain at the age of 37 following the World Cup in Japan, his fourth tournament, history will no doubt also judge Best to be one of their greatest forwards. A hugely-popular figure across the game, Best finished his career as Ireland's most capped forward, behind only Brian O'Driscoll and Ronan O'Gara in the all-time records, and also made over 200 appearances for his province Ulster.

by Brendan Fanning

€19.99

Ideal for readers who: Follow Irish rugby books that go beyond match results Are interested in the long pursuit of World Cup breakthrough Enjoy sport writing rooted in the rise of modern Irish rugby Want an informed, readable look at ambition, pressure and progress Ireland went to the 2023 Rugby World Cup as the number one ranked team in the world. They had a unique Test series win in New Zealand on their list of achievements; they were the reigning Grand Slam holders; and still they came home early. Getting to the last four has become an obsession. But is this the only measure of success? This ambition is a country mile removed from the awfulness of Irish rugby as the game went from amateur to professional during the nineties. We were all over the shop, and the men behind the counter were lost and disgruntled. But by the arrival of the Six Nations in 2000, pain gave way to change. There were real signs of growth. From Eddie O'sullivan, who kicked it off and then was deported to a limbo where he couldn't get a decent job, to men of massive influence like Joe Schmidt and Stuart Lancaster, to David Nucifora - the first tsar of Irish rugby in the pro era - rugby here became unrecognisable from its old days. But with the clock already counting down to the 2027 World Cup in Australia, where are Ireland on their race to the top? And is glory finally within reach?

by John Kelly

€24.99

Ideal for readers who: Follow Gaelic games with an interest in the history surrounding the sport. Love the sort of book that turns familiar match-day details into something worth savouring. Would enjoy seeing more than a century of GAA life through programme covers and design. Prefer giftable sports books that are as browseable as they are nostalgic. Whether it's tightly rolled up between two nervous, wringing hands, proudly sticking out from a quick-stepping back pocket or carefully brought home to be kept for posterity, the match day programme is part of the very fabric of the GAA and in The GAA Covered this glorious document gets its long overdue day in the sun. The GAA Covered is a stunning visual compendium of over 100 years of GAA programme covers from 1913 to the present day, and an invaluable collection of local, social and sports history. Each page of this comprehensive collection features striking images of that year's provincial and All-Ireland final match programmes, along with superb captions of context and colour. John Kelly's labour of love will mesmerise GAA fans - from the diehard who will appreciate the compilation of such a wide range of programmes to the casual fan who will be enthralled by the immense beauty of the book.

by Paul Kimmage

€15.07

An eye-opening expose of and a heart-breaking lament for professional cycling Paul Kimmage's boyhood dreams were of cycling glory: wearing the yellow jersey, cycling the Tour de France, becoming a national hero. He knew it wouldn't come easy, but he was prepared to put in the graft. The dedication paid off - he finished sixth in the World Championships as an amateur and in 1986, he turned professional. He soon discovered it wasn't about courage, training hours or how much you wanted to win. It was about gruelling defeats, total exhaustion, and drugs - drugs that would allow you to finish the race and start another day. Kimmage ultimately left the sport to write this book - profoundly honest and ground-breaking, Rough Ride broke the silence surrounding the issue of drugs in sport, and documents one man's love for, and struggle with, the complex world of professional cycling. 'A must read for any cyclist' Cyclist WINNER OF WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR

by Cora Staunton

€12.75

Cora Staunton is an iconic figure in the world of modern GAA. In this ground-breaking autobiography, she reveals her extraordinary journey from teenage rookie to the highest-scoring forward in the history of Ladies Gaelic Football. Since making her senior inter-county debut for Mayo at just thirteen years of age, Cora has become a feared and respected opponent on any pitch. Now, for the first time, she recounts the triumphs of her career and the personal struggles that have plagued it. In this refreshingly candid book, Cora recalls finding refuge in the game after the death of her mother, but also speaks openly about the challenges and conflicts she and her teammates have experienced in the under-resourced world of female sport. She gives a fascinating insight into her move to a professional team in Sydney and how she coped with going from a veteran to a newcomer overnight. In the first-ever autobiography of a female GAA star, Game Changer will take its place as one of the most influential and powerful sports books in recent years.

by Colm Cooper

€13.91

'The greatest Gaelic footballer of all time.' Pat Spillane When Colm Cooper retired from inter-county football in 2017, he left behind a remarkable legacy. The holder of five All-Ireland medals and eight All-Stars, he was Kerry's stand-out forward for fifteen years. From a family steeped in Gaelic football, and a core member of the Dr Crokes team, Colm was still in his teens when he first played for Kerry at senior level. Overcoming struggles with injury and personal tragedy, Cooper became one of the GAA's most recognizable and best-loved figures at a time of tumultuous change in the game. But the man known nationally as 'Gooch' is also an intensely private figure who has never courted publicity and his personal story remains largely untold. Now Gooch - The Autobiography unlocks a previously unopened door, tracing a compelling path through the life beyond the headlines. This is the story of an ordinary man who became an extraordinary footballer.

by Philly McMahon

€13.99

BGE Irish Sports Book of the Year and eir Sports Book of the Year In The Choice Dubs star Philly McMahon shares the deeply personal story of his brother, John, a heroin addict who died at the age of 31. Structured as a series of choices - in sport, in education and in life - the book delves into the contrasting lives of the brothers and how the opportunities presented to Philly through sport and education opened up a world of choice that protected him from the dangers of growing up in Ballymun at the height of the heroin epidemic. As well as offering sports fans fresh insights into one of GAA's most fascinating characters, The Choice is an inspiration for anyone struggling with addiction. Raw, vivid and intensely moving, it is an epic story of triumph in the face of adversity and loss, and a tribute to the redemptive power of sport. 'Should be on the curriculum for all transition year student boys … it's a book about life … phenomenal.' DAMIEN O'MEARA, RTÉ SPORT 'Philly McMahon should be placed on a pedestal and be a beacon of inspiration to all young sports stars in the country.' THE IRISH INDEPENDENT