Irish sports fans are in for a treat this year as several new books are due to hit the shops in the coming months, that are perfect for sport-loving folks like us.
It is hard to beat a good autobiography from one of your sporting heroes, where you can get a peek behind the curtain, and learn what it was really like to walk in their shoes.
Whether it's a rugby, hurling or soccer star who has made it to the very top of their game, the road to success is rarely linear and without heartache, so getting the opportunity to hear things from their point of view is always fascinating.
So far in 2024 we know of three brilliant books are due to come out this year.
1. Johnny Sexton: Obsessed
From childhood to sporting fame, Johnny Sexton charts his life in a candid and honest memoir, Obsessed. Exploring key relationships and formative experiences in a career which has seen him achieve more than any Irish rugby player. Preorder SIGNED copies: https://t.co/MDFTsphauO pic.twitter.com/FBK7E0EnWb
— Waterstones (@Waterstones) April 9, 2024
If everyone had to write a list of Ireland's greatest sporting heroes, Johnny Sexton would find his name on most of them as his talent, longevity and passion has been a joy to watch for over a decade.
We all hoped, wished, and prayed that he would bow out as Ireland's captain by winning a World Cup last year, but the fairytale ending never came.
Nonetheless, Sexton was the main character in a story that saw Irish rugby evolve from relative obscurity to becoming one of the genuine superpowers in the sport, and he tells all in his new book which will be published on October 10th this year.
READ HERE: Why is Shane Walsh Criticised More Than Most?
2. Richie Hogan: Whatever it Takes
Have really enjoyed working with Richie Hogan on this for @Gill_Books and looking forward to seeing the finished product out in October.
You can pre-order the book here - https://t.co/KuAz3z1640… pic.twitter.com/KwdpZrGW1S
— Fintan O'Toole (@fotoole13) July 11, 2024
A few of Kilkenny's heroes have released books in the past, and have give their personal and fascinating accounts on being a part of one of the greatest teams to play the sport.
Richie Hogan dedicated his life to hurling, and indeed Kilkenny, as he won seven All-Irelands in his incredible career, but it wasn't without sacrifice.
Hogan details the heartache that it takes to be one of the best in the sport, and the book will surely be an interesting read for anyone with even a passing interesting in the GAA.
You can pre-order now, but a publish date is yet to be confirmed.
3. Joe Canning: My Story
I tried to tell “My Story” as honestly as I could & hopefully you’ll enjoy reading the many highs & lows of my life so far! Available to pre order here for launch on the 10-10-24 https://t.co/JJx9m4NM4a
Massive thanks also to Vincent Hogan! pic.twitter.com/R00PRJgJuF— Joe Canning (@JoeyCan88) July 11, 2024
Joe Canning is undoubtedly one of hurling's best, and arguably the greatest player to ever come from Galway, so being able to get an insight into his journey to the top will be fascinating.
Canning said himself on social media that he tried to be as 'honest' as he could be, so we are expecting him to not hold anything back in this autobiography that is due to be released on October 10th 2024.
Written by Vincent Horgan, one of the most respected journalists and GAA writers in recent times, you know that this book will get to the heart of Canning's story, and offer an opportunity to see Canning in a whole new light.
4.
Absolutely loved Conor Niland's THE RACKET. One of the best sports books I've ever read and the most fascinating insight into the world of tennis for those competing on the edges of the Grand Slams. pic.twitter.com/NYqMXTF7cV
— David Doyle (@DavidMJTDoyle) July 6, 2024
Irish tennis star Conor Niland dedicated his life to the sport, and although he had some great achievements on the court, this book detailing everything that goes on in the world of tennis might be his biggest accomplishment yet.
This book has already been published and is available to buy, and if the reviews are anything to go by then buy it you must.
'Conor Niland may only have managed a career-high ranking of 129 – only? that is some achievement in itself! – but The Racket, his account of how he managed this, is up there with the best half-dozen books on tennis ever written.' Geoff Dyer
‘Genuinely such a brilliant book, a brilliant read’ Ciarán Murphy, Second Captains Podcast
‘One of the best Irish sports books of the last decade’ Kieran Shannon, Irish Examiner
5.
In what feels a crucial period for the game's history, I have written a book on modern football, who owns it and how it has been transformed by geopolitics, capitalism and its own failures. It's out on 1 August, and you can pre-order here: https://t.co/61DFuqGzKr pic.twitter.com/n70Xvod5MN
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) February 26, 2024
Author Miguel Delaney has delivered the definitive account of how sportswashing and capitalism have taken over modern football.
The investigative journalist pulls the thread on the underbelly of The Beautiful Game, and uncovers the dark side of financial doping, and demeaning the spirit of the game.
This book delves into the question marks surrounding the Qatar World Cup in 2022, Neymar's £198 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain and Abu Dhabi's construction empire in Manchester to failed Financial Fair Play constraints.
It may be an uncomfortable read for some, depending on which football team you support, but it is a must-read nonetheless and available to pre-order now.
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