101 Extraordinary Gaa Occasions

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; Paidí 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.

Fans always answer in the affirmative when their team asks: Will you still love me tomorrow? However, for many GAA fans it is their rivalries that guide them and define them. This unique book celebrates the age-old rivalries that have energised and enlivened the GAA. Based on exclusive interviews with a veritable Who's Who of the great and the good of Gaelic Games, here are remarkable insights into the controversies, epic matches and the thrilling events on and off the field which great GAA rivalries have generated. Full of arresting anecdotes that represent each county, these pages capture the extraordinary pride and passion of Ireland's greatest national treasures: Gaelic football, hurling, ladies football and camogie. John Scally is a lecturer in Trinity College, but in his spare time is a writer and broadcaster. Since 1992 he has written 40 books with cumulative sales of over 150,000 copies. He is the author of the biggest selling GAA book in Ireland, Raising the Banner:The Biography of Ger Loughnane, and for a few years his biography of Tony Ward was the biggest selling rugby book in Ireland. 'Will bring back a treasure trove of great memories for GAA fans.' Cyril Farrell 'There have been many rivalries through the decades and John Scally will navigate you through them as only he can, with great insight and knowledge and an unrivalled love for our native games.' Donal Ryan 'Pulsates with the thrills and spills of epic contests, clashes and controversies. A must read book for GAA fans. It reminds us of who we are.' John O'Mahony

The lore and legend of Gaelic Games has been shaped by great players. Since Adam was a boy special players have had a unique power to make the heart skip a beat.This book celebrates 100 of them: footballers, hurlers, managers, ladies' footballers and camogie players from the start of the twentieth century to the present day. The book is based around exclusive interviews with a who's who of Gaelic games. And it covers all the GAA codes.Icons of the games featured include: Dick Fitzgerald, Mick Mackey, Christy Ring, Jack Lynch, Nicky Rackard, Mick O'Connell, Sean O'Neill, Eddie Keher, Jimmy Barry-Murphy, Angela Downey, Sue Ramsbottom, Nicky English, DJ Carey, Peter Canavan, Henry Shefflin, Gooch Cooper and Joe Canning. And there's plenty to read for GAA fans of any age.Every county has their own stars and each county is represented here. All 32 counties are featured.

101 Things You May Not Have Known About Gaelic Football is the definitive guide to All-Ireland Senior Football in Ireland. In this e-book the reader will be taken on a magical journey back in time with the formation of the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1884; the first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final; the history of the famous Sam Maguire Cup; a look at the man considered to be the father of the GAA, Michael Cusack; All-Ireland Senior Champions; GAA All-Star Awards; GAA Team of the Century; GAA Team of the Millennium; the American All-Ireland Final; bans; Croke Park; Bloody Sunday; Tim Clarke Cup; Tommy Markham Cup; Railway Cup; Tommy Murphy Cup; All-Ireland Minor Champions; historic sides; legendary players and so much more. No matter what County you hail from this e-book will test your knowledge and that of your friends to find out just what you know about Ireland’s No.1 sport.

For over 130 years the GAA has been at the heart of Irish life. Now, in The People’s Games, John Scally tells the compelling stories of the men and women behind the rich history of Gaelic Games. Since the introduction of television Gaelic Games have become a huge entertainment industry, yet at their core remain deeply embedded in the local community. They shape the national conversation and lift the mood of the country. Hurling, ladies’ football, camogie and Gaelic football are Ireland’s greatest national treasures. Gaelic Games are part of the DNA of the Irish Race, and the people are the beating heart of the Games. This comprehensive collection captures the GAA’s evolving history, the fabled heroes, the controversies, the scandals, the pulsating games, the fans, the centrality of the clubs, and the unending and heart-stopping drama. Full of fascinating insights, amusing anecdotes, thrilling tales and new revelations about famous incidents and epic encounters, this volume brings the people’s games alive in all their vibrancy. Based on exclusive interviews, this captivating compendium explores the rich history of the men and women of the GAA who made it all happen.

'It's a funny old game.' - JIMMY GREAVES From golden balls to golden balls-ups, this kit bag of double entendres, outrageous quips and quotes is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone. A must for all Man Utd fans. 'SIMPLY RED captures many of the laughs associated with Manchester United.' - KEN DOHERTY 'A must-read not just for United fans, but for every football fan out there!' - SIMON DELANEY

'I stood up. A miracle had happened. I could walk. It was as if I was born again.' With a heart full of prayer, Marion Carroll journeyed to Knock in the west of Ireland. For 17 years, Multiple Sclerosis had ravaged her body so utterly that this reluctant pilgrim travelled on a stretcher. Then, at the Mass, an unimaginable miracle. Marion rose, pain-free, to walk, talk and see once more. Thanks to this wondrous blessing, Marion has transformed - in her 'own small way' - the lives of countless others. Her ministries share her rock-like faith and devotion to God. They testify to the power of ordinary people to listen, to care, to inspire. Nearly 30 years later, the Catholic Church officially recognised Marion's cure as a proclaimed miracle. Here, with warmth, grace, humility - and down-to-earth Irish humour - she tells of her life 'before' and 'after'. Marion's powerful, uplifting story is unique. It shines a light on love, hope and a remarkable relationship with God.

Davy Fitzgerald is one of hurling's defining personalities. A two-time All-Ireland winner as a player and once as a manager, he has spent the past decade consolidating a reputation as one of the most innovative and dynamic coaches in the game, first with Waterford, then with his native Clare and, most recently, with Wexford.For Davy, however, exacting in his standards and possessed of an unshakeable will to succeed, victory has always come at a cost. His playing and managerial honours, though formidable, are matched by a roll call of public controversies and private challenges every bit as lengthy and varied.In this, a raw and forthright account of his time in management, Fitzgerald returns to the moments that have defined his career to date – the tactics and gambles, the breakthroughs and regrets, the friendships and fallings out – all the while measuring his judgement and the toll his single-minded pursuit of excellence has taken on his health and those closest to him.Packed with insights and anecdotes from his time on the sidelines, At All Costs is a riveting account of a career spent walking the fine line that separates commitment from obsession, and a must read for anyone who has ever wondered what it takes to compete – and succeed – at the highest level.