Books:Six books of varying subject matter have made it onto the shortlist for title of William Hill Irish Sports Book of the Year.
The list includes autobiographies from the likes of soccer legend John Giles, jockey Ruby Walsh and boxer Bernard Dunne.
Giles' book, A Football Man,tells the story of one of Ireland's greatest soccer players, his time growing up in 1940s Dublin, his career with some of England's biggest soccer clubs (Manchester United and Leeds United) and life after football.
Walsh's autobiography, Ruby,tells the tale of one of the Ireland's finest ever jockeys. The book looks at key relationships in his racing life with Paul Nicholls, Willie Mullins and Ted Walsh along with his unique rivalry with Tony McCoy.
Former world champion boxer Dunne looks at his own life in My Story, written in conjunction with Irish Timesjournalist Gavin Cummiskey. Dunne examines time growing up in Neilstown to the unforgettable world title fight with Ricardo Cordoba, his defence of that title and subsequent retirement from the sport.
Also included in the shortlist is
Days of Heavenby Declan Lynch. The book is framed by Ireland's success at the 1990 World Cup and the subsequent success under Jack Charlton.
Screaming at the Skydescribes a four year period in the life of Clare inter-county hurler Tony Griffin while Christy O'Connor's The Club looks at a year in the life of Clare GAA club St Joseph's Doora-Barefield. Ten years ago it was one of the finest club hurling teams in Ireland but now this story, told by their goalkeeper and journalist Christy O'Connor, details attempts to regain their status as county champions.
“The top six books for this year’s award really are the cream of the crop,” said Tony Kenny from William Hill, Ireland. “There are the stories of sporting legends mixed with some truly remarkable tales of real sports achievement intertwined with the real life impact that sport can have on society and life in general."
A total of 25 books were entered for this year’s award. The winner will be announced at the beginning of December. Previous winners have included Paul McGrath’s “Back from the Brink”, Tommy Byrne’s “Crashed and Byrned” and Donal Óg Cusack’s “Come what May”.
William Hill Irish Sports Book of the Year 2010 - Shortlist
A Football Man – John Giles (Hachette Ireland)
My Story – Bernard Dunne (Penguin Ireland)
The Club – Christy O'Connor (Penguin Ireland)
Ruby – Ruby Walsh (Orion Publishing)
Days of Heaven – Declan Lynch (Gill and MacMillan)
Screaming at the Sky – Tony Griffin (Transworld Publishing)