In the Blood - My life in and out of football

Michael Moynihan, Pat Spillane

Summary

Pat Spillane is one of the best-known sportspeople in Ireland. Selected for the GAA's Team of the Millennium and winner of eight All-Ireland senior football medals, he is one of the greatest Gaelic footballers ever. Yet that isn't half of the Spillane story.
He has also been one of the most controversial GAA pundits of all time, driving the agenda on The Sunday Game and in the Sunday World for thirty years. His analysis and criticism have been headline news everywhere Gaelic football is discussed, and the terms he coined, such as 'puke football', have entered the Irish lexicon.
Here, Pat reveals the sadness of his childhood when his father died; his dazzling football career and encounters with other immortals, from Mick O'Dwyer onwards; the reality of life as a pundit under pressure from managers; and the huge stress of dealing with the machinery of government in the aftermath of his spell with CEDRA, the state advisory group on rural affairs.
Like the man himself, In the Blood is uniquely frank, witty, honest and revealing – and a must-read for GAA fans everywhere.

Available since: 10/12/2023.

Print length: 352 pages.

Other books that might interest you

The Auschwitz Photographer - The...

Luca Crippa, Maurizio Onnis

The Nazis asked him to swear allegiance to Hitler, betraying his country, his friends, and everything he believed in. 
He refused. 
 
 
 
Poland, 1939. Professional photographer Wilhelm Brasse is deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau and finds himself in a deadly race to survive, assigned to work as the camp's intake photographer and take "identity pictures" of prisoners as they arrive by the trainload. Brasse soon discovers his photography skills are in demand from Nazi guards as well, who ask him to take personal portraits for them to send to their families and girlfriends. Behind the camera, Brasse is safe from the terrible fate that so many of his fellow prisoners meet. But over the course of five years, the horrifying scenes his lens capture, including inhumane medical "experiments" led by Josef Mengele, change Brasse forever. 
 
 
 
Based on the true story of Wilhelm Brasse, The Auschwitz Photographer is a stark black-and-white reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. This gripping work of World War II narrative nonfiction takes readers behind the barbed wire fences of the world's most feared concentration camp, bringing Brasse's story to life as he clicks the shutter button thousands of times before ultimately joining the Resistance, defying the Nazis, and defiantly setting down his camera for good.

Show book

Walden

Henry David Thoreau

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of nature and the profound insights of Henry David Thoreau's timeless classic, "Walden," now available as an audiobook. 
In this captivating work, Thoreau reflects on his two-year experiment of living simply and self-sufficiently in a small cabin near Walden Pond. As you listen, you'll be transported to the serene shores of this idyllic setting, where Thoreau explores the rhythms of the natural world, the joys of solitude, and the essence of true freedom. 
Through his keen observations and introspective musings, Thoreau invites listeners to contemplate life's fundamental questions and to reconsider their own values and priorities. From the wonders of the changing seasons to the simplicity of daily routines, "Walden" offers a profound meditation on the human experience and our place in the universe. 
Narrated with clarity and sensitivity, this audiobook brings Thoreau's words to life, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty and wisdom of his prose. Whether you're seeking inspiration, solace, or a deeper connection to the world around you, "Walden" is sure to leave a lasting impression. 
So, if you're ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual renewal, don't wait any longer. Start listening to "Walden" today and let Thoreau's timeless wisdom guide you toward a life of simplicity, mindfulness, and fulfillment.

Show book

"You're Not Doing It Right" -...

Ellen Patnaude

In "You're Not Doing It Right," Ellen Patnaude bravely opens the door to the haunting reality of Lewy body dementia (LBD) and unravels its profound impact on families. One of the most common types of dementia after Alzheimer's disease, LBD is marked by fluctuations in cognition, hallucinations, and motor symptoms. The journey begins with subtle warnings of small changes in her mother's behavior that worry Patnaude's father, but go unnoticed by the author and her sibling.
Through heartfelt storytelling, Patnaude recounts her challenges in addressing the disturbing shifts in her mother's behavior and managing their long-standing, emotionally charged relationship. The pages unfold with raw honesty, detailing the struggles that ensure when a family is faced with a progressive, life-altering diagnosis. In contrast to the 'long goodbye' of Alzheimer's disease, LBD plunges Patnaude and her family into a roller coaster ride from hell. Every emotion is laid bare, from the initial denial to the desperate attempts to help and connect with a loved one slipping away.
Patnaude offers invaluable insights and lessons learned in the throes of this heartbreaking journey. With unwavering candor, she reflects on what might have made a difference for herself and her family members and shares the resources that may help other struggling families. She acknowledges the commonality of denial and the universal resistance to accepting a devastating diagnosis, especially when glimpses of normalcy persist. The relentless challenges of caring for someone with any type of dementia often lead to heightened stress, exhaustion, and severe emotional strain on caregivers. In this exploration of love, loss, and resilience, Patnaude extends a compassionate hand to those grappling with similar circumstances, offering solace and understanding within the pages of this deeply moving memoir.

Show book

Philosophers of Knowledge and...

Hector Davidson

This book consists of the following titles:
- Ludwig Wittgenstein: Ludwig Wittgenstein, one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century, profoundly shaped modern thought, particularly in the realms of language, logic, and the philosophy of mind. His philosophy spans two distinct periods, marked by an evolution in his views on the relationship between language, meaning, and reality. Wittgenstein’s work challenges the way we think about and use language, positing that philosophical problems often arise from misunderstandings of language and its limitations.
- Martha Nussbaum: Martha Nussbaum is one of the most influential philosophers of our time, particularly known for her contributions to feminist theory, political philosophy, and ethics. A professor at the University of Chicago, her work spans a wide array of topics including justice, human capabilities, human rights, and the role of emotions in moral decision-making. Nussbaum’s ideas have significantly impacted both academic philosophy and practical policy, with her innovative theories offering valuable insights into the intersection of ethics, politics, and human development.
- Bertrand Russell: Bertrand Russell, born on May 18, 1872, in Trellech, Monmouthshire, Wales, was a British philosopher, logician, mathematician, and social critic. Coming from a prominent aristocratic family, with his grandfather, Lord John Russell, having served as a British Prime Minister, Russell had an influential upbringing. He attended Cambridge University, where he studied under Alfred North Whitehead, a notable logician and philosopher. Russell was deeply influenced by the works of Gottlob Frege and David Hilbert.

Show book

My Boys Can't Swim

Scott Deighton

Are you ready to dive into the uncharted waters of male fertility? Scott Deighton, in his enlightening and candid book, ‘My Boys Can’t Swim’, takes you on a compelling journey through the intricate world of men’s reproductive health.In a society where discussions about fertility often revolve around women, Scott boldly shines a spotlight on the equally significant male perspective. With a perfect blend of scientific insight and personal anecdotes, he demystifies the complex factors that affect male fertility, challenging common misconceptions along the way. Scott’s engaging storytelling makes this book an accessible and relatable resource for anyone concerned about their own fertility or that of a loved one. From lifestyle choices to medical interventions, ‘My Boys Can’t Swim’ offers practical guidance on how to navigate the hurdles and enhance fertility in a male-centric context. ‘My Boys Can’t Swim’ is a must-read for anyone ready to take control of their reproductive journey and ensure that their boys are indeed ready to swim or at least try. Dive in today and embark on a journey that promises to reshape your understanding of male fertility – forever.

Show book

Story of Elvis - The Rise and...

Dan Peel

Take an intimate and fascinating look into the life of Elvis Aaron Presley, the undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll! Learn what his life was like growing up in poverty in Tupelo, MS, about his childhood as told by his father, Vernon, his rise to fame in the music world by his mid-twenties when the world lay at his feet, his military career, and sizable film career, and the pressures that led to his self-destructive behavior and early death. You'll also learn all the ups and downs in Elvis's life including intimate details about his relationship with his parents, his wife--Pricilla, the Memphis Mafia, and array of girlfriends with photos to match. Many of the photos were originally seen in LIFE magazine, but there are private family photos as well. Also included are fascinating explanations of Elvis's state of mind while recording each album, behind-the-scene photos, the track list, how each album was received by fans and critics, and the effect it had on his career.

Show book