Brought to you by Bord Gáis Energy.
How many have you read?
It’s hard to beat a good sports book and the nominees for this year’s Bord Gáis Energy Sports Book of the Year certainly don’t disappoint. Included in the list are books by and about some of the best sportsmen this country has ever produced.
It’s almost impossible to pick a winner from this impressive selection but here’s a breakdown of this year’s nominees.
The Warrior’s Code: My Autobiography
Author: Jackie Tyrell with Christy O’Connor
The Kilkenny teams that Jackie Tyrrell played on were renowned for their ferocity and their relentless will to win. Take this line about Kilkenny’s motivation from the book: “We used to love beating teams, we wanted to psychologically scar teams, we wanted to trample Cork into the ground like dirt.”
The defender offers a fascinating insight into his time as a hurler in this frank autobiography. He delves into the approach and attitude that helped him pick up a staggering nine All-Ireland medals. Tyrrell doesn’t spare anyone’s feelings as he breaks down what separated the Cats from the chasing pack and what the other counties were lacking.
The Choice
Author: Philly McMahon with Niall Kelly
Every so often you get a book by a sportsperson that transcends their sport and shines a light on deeper social or personal issues. This book by Dublin’s defensive linchpin traces the different paths taken by the All-Ireland winner and his brother John, as the heroin epidemic took its toll on Ballymun.
It charts Philly’s rise against the backdrop of John’s addiction and tragic fate, offering a poignant personal look at the wasted potential that addiction often leaves in its wake. It’s a heartfelt and moving look at family, fate and the decisions that influence our futures.
The Ascent: Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche and the Rise of Irish Cycling’s Golden Generation
Author: Barry Ryan
There was a time in the 80s when Ireland was gripped by cycling fever. This was down to two men from Dundrum and Waterford – neither a cycling heartland, to paraphrase Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh. Together, the pair rose to become stars in the sport and public interest was only heightened by their contrasting styles and personalities.
This book captures the euphoria and cycling mania that gripped a nation as these Irish riders took on the best in the world and won. It also delves into the darker side of cycling, the broken friendships and the conflicts that happened along the way.
Shay: Any Given Saturday – The Autobiography
Author: Shay Given
The veteran goalkeeper looks back at a career that covers a memorable international and club career that took in three decades and numerous top flight clubs. Given covers his life as a footballer, the various players he played with and his time as an Irish international.
Irish fans might deny it but they’ll doubtless be curious to hear yet another first person account of what happened in Saipan! The Donegal man isn’t afraid to tear into the likes of Rudd Gullit, reveal his regrets or inject plenty of humour into his story. It’s a book that covers a changing football world and features an illustrious cast of characters.
Gooch: The Autobiography
Author: Colm Cooper
Arguably the greatest Gaelic footballer to every take to the field, Gooch is undoubtedly a Kerry legend. With five All-Irelands and eight All-Stars in his back pocket, the man who excelled in that Green and Gold jersey still remains something of an enigma.
The autobiography delves into some unexplored chapters in Gooch’s storied career with Kerry. The Gooch talks about the teams that delivered the deepest cuts, the dynamics with the many managers during his time, and how he railed against notions that he was too slight for the physicality of the game.
Form: My Autobiography
Author: Kieren Fallon with Oliver Holt
Kieren Fallon is a six-times champion jockey whose meteoric rise was matched by his fall from grace. Accusations of race fixing ruined his career and left him facing prison. The trial took its toll and the book doesn’t hold back when talking about the darker chapters of his life.
It’s the story of a mercurial and much-loved talent. The Irish jockey achieved incredible feats but his career was overshadowed by controversy, not all of which was of his own making. This memoir is a revealing look at the sport, his battles with alcohol and his passion for horse racing.
Have your say and vote for the 2017 Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards.
Brought to you by Bord Gáis Energy.
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