The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Kieran’s pen as mighty as his boots
GAA star Kieran Donaghy says he’s thrilled his acclaimed autobiography was named the year’s best sports book.
Donaghy’s heartfelt account of his life on and off the field, ‘What Do You Think of That?’, was this week named the winner of the prestigious Eir Sport Sports Book of the Year.
“The quality of Irish sports writing is so high and to come out on top this year makes me extremely proud. This is something I’ve worked very hard for, so to win this award is a really special feeling,” said the four-time All-Ireland winner.
KIERAN Donaghy’s heartfelt account of his life on and off the field and court, What Do You Think of That?, written with Kieran Shannon, has been named the winner of the eir Sport Sports Book of the Year. Kieran picked up his prize at a ceremony in Dun’s Library at the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin on Monday.
The book, which recounts the two-time All-Star’s football and basketball careers, as well the roller-coaster relationship he had with his father, and how Kieran struggled throughout his childhood and adult life as a result of his dyslexia.
What Do You Think of That? took the prize ahead of the otehr short-listed nominees, Rob Heffernan’s autobiography, Walking Tall; Out of Control by Cathal McCarron with Christy O’Connor; The Battle by Paul O’Connell and Spirit of ’58 written by Evan Marshall.
Donaghy picked up a cash prize of €1,500 and his book will also receive €10,000 worth of TV advertising on eir Sport along with a specially commissioned trophy in recognition of his achievement.
Kieran said of the win: “I’m delighted to win this award because it means that I’ve been recognised by some of the best sports journalists in Ireland. The quality of Irish sport writing is so high and to come out on top this year makes me extremely proud. This is something I’ve worked very hard for so to win this award is a really special feeling.”
Ruth Hegarty of Publishing Ireland said: “Kieran’s prose and humanity carries you to the last page and I congratulate him. Trinity Mirror have found a talent.”
This is the second year of an initial four year commitment eir Sport has made to this awards scheme with John Leonard’s ‘Dub Sub Confidential’ winning last year. Twenty books were entered before being whittled down to a five book shortlist from which today’s winner was chosen.