Some of these choices are so good that you may want to ‘borrow’ them for yourself.
Everyone loves a present, or sixteen, to unwrap under the Christmas tree. If you are buying gifts for the sports-mad man or woman in your life, this selection of some of 2015’s best sports books is a great start.
Until Victory Always – Jim McGuinness
The former Donegal manager recounts an upbringing that contained far too much tragedy and adversity. A great insight into how McGuinness transformed Donegal from nearly-men to outsiders and into the mind of a truly driven individual.
Man and Ball – Stephen Ferris
Irish rugby’s wrecking-ball flanker and a player who was the best blindside in world rugby in his prime. Ferris’ career contained many highs but just as many lows, usually brought on by injuries. Great yarns about life on and off the rugby pitch in a searingly honest, open autobiography.
Sport & Ireland: A History – Paul Rouse
Rouse goes back over a thousand years to deliver a definitive political, social, and cultural history of sport in our island. A serious amount of research and passion went into this book, which charts the foundation of the GAA, cricket’s golden period, the growing influence of soccer and forgotten past-times such as fighting and baiting involving cocks, bulls and even bears.
Dub Sub Confidential – John Leonard
Winner of the Setanta Sports Book of the Year, Leonards’ tale of battling drugs and drink while being part of a driven, successful Dublin football panel is a real eye-opener. Comes highly recommended by many GAA writers in the media industry.
The New Breed: Irish Rugby’s Professional Era – Patrick McCarry
Irish professional rugby turned 20 this year. The journey from amateur antics and drinking cultures to the modern-day science, video analysis and gym beasts has been remarkable. Players such as Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell, Rob Kearney and Ronan O’Gara offer excellent insights into Irish rugby’s transformation from has-beens to heroes.
Standing My Ground – Brendan Cummins
Delighted to have my hands on these… Hitting shelves 8th October…. pic.twitter.com/bIBms60b5s
— Brendan Cummins (@BrenCummins1) October 1, 2015
The Tipperary goalkeeper is as frank and honest as they come. He gave his all for the Premier on the field yet, as with most sports people, is haunted by the ones that got away. Any hurling fan will enjoy this read.
Dalymount Park: The Home of Irish Football – Colin White
A superb pictorial history of a footballing landmark that has witnessed some amazing moments. White is a lifelong League of Ireland supporter and it shows throughout as he lets the people and pictures tell a story of a ground that is now 125 years old.
A Man’s World: The Double Life of Emile Griffith – Donald McRae
@axmcc Thanks Alex….& yes to those earlier great ones too. I have a new book on Emile Griffith, Benny Paret in Sept pic.twitter.com/SNXoji4lZI
— Donald McRae (@donaldgmcrae) April 20, 2015
McRae rarely writes a bad book and his latest offering is a gem. The author tells a stark, barely believable tale of a champion boxer that killed a man in the ring and battled demons outside as he desperately sought to hide his homosexuality in a brutal world.
Leinster in the Beginning – Reggie Corrigan
Leinster now play a game or two each season in front of 40-45,000 fans at the Aviva Stadium. Reggie Corrigan was there in the early years and recalls tales of playing to hundreds and training in Portakabins. A must-read for the Leinster fan in your life.
