Ireland is now playing at the top table in world Rugby, with clubs and country considered among the toughest around. It wasn't always like this, and for decades we propped up the bottom of the tables, with moral victories often the most we could hope for. Ray McManus and his team at Sportsfile have been there throughout, passionately following the boys in green (and blue, red, white and the dark green of Connaught), capturing the essence of this physical, punishing sport and those who play it. With reminiscences from photographers and players alike, this book is a look back over the decades at the legendary players, matches and moments that have contributed to the narrative of our contribution to one of the world's most exciting sports. A must for rugby fans wherever they are. Paperback edition updated to include Ireland's historic home win over New Zealand in September 2018 and the 2019 Six Nations.

Here are Irish Rugby's most legendary, celebratory and brilliant moments from the 1940s to today. 101 Great Irish Rugby Moments is a unique celebration of the sport's most significant moments. Featuring: Munster's historic win over the All Blacks Ulster's victory in the European Cup Connacht winning the Pro 12 Leinster's unique European double The national women's team winning the Grand Slam Ireland's double defeat of the All Blacks . . . These epic moments are based on exclusive interviews with Mick Galwey, Ciaran Fitzgerald, David Humphreys, Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara and many others from the great and good of Irish Rugby. Enjoy a host of brilliant anecdotes and remarkable insights into the controversies, epic matches, thrilling contests and pivotal events on and off the field which shaped these 101 GREAT IRISH RUGBY MOMENTS. 'The legendary Mike Gibson, once eloquently wrote that "rugby is like love, it is a game of touch and of feel and of instinct". I have no doubt that John Scally has written this book with those same qualities of love, touch, feel and instinct. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.' OLLIE CAMPBELL

Irish rugby's most hilarious and outrageous moments 101 Funny Irish Rugby Moments is a collection of priceless anecdotes from the field, with interviews from Moss Keane, Mick Galwey, Peter Clohessy and plenty more, plus a foreword by the legendary Tony Ward. From Lansdowne Road to Thomond Park, from Connacht to Ulster and Leeside to the Lions, these are some of the most unexpected tales of Irish rugby legends, like when . . . - BRIAN O'DRISCOLL HOSTED A BOND GIRL - PAUL O'CONNELL MET PRINCE WILLIAM - RORY BEST TURNED INTO SLEEPING BEAUTY - AND JAMES LOWE MADE A STRANGE REQUEST OF THE GARDAÍ This book offers a unique glimpse into the funniest moments that have happened on and off the pitch with some of rugby's greatest characters.

Following the success of his book My Part of the Day, first published in 1981, Peter Byrne's second collection of stories, From the Press Box, provides fitting testimony to the most successful era in the history of Irish sport. From Gaelic Games and rugby to football and athletics, this book straddles the broad spectrum of sport as Byrne renews acquaintances with many of the personalities and places he got to know in a long career in search of the big story. A treasure trove of memories, recalled in a style to recreate the marvel of the moment, will ensure endless hours of enjoyment for both dedicated sports lovers and those who have monitored the outstanding achievements of Irish men and women from afar.

Bursting with humour and full of amusing anecdotes, 100 Irish Rugby Greats is a unique celebration of the most significant stars of the sport from the 1930s to the present day. A veritable who’s who of Irish rugby, it takes in all of the true greats, including Jack Kyle, Tony O’Reilly, Mike Gibson, Willie John McBride, Moss Keane, Keith Wood, Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell. Many of the in-depth and revealing profiles are based on interviews with the legends themselves, as well as with those who have lined up against them. The result offers remarkable insights into the myriad controversies, epic matches, thrilling contests and pivotal events on and off the field in which each player has been involved. Written with an insider’s knowledge, 100 Irish Rugby Greats will prove to be a thrilling read for all fans of the sport.

Based on exclusive interviews with 40 celebrated players, past and present, Legends of Irish Rugby is a veritable who's who of the sport. Immortals such as Jack Kyle, Willie John McBride, Tony Ward, Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy and Paul O'Connell bare their souls to reveal themselves as men of vision, passion and dedication - men who, through their glories, disappointments and dramatic deeds, have inspired others to realise their dreams. In this engrossing and entertaining account of the bittersweet history of Irish rugby, these powerful personalities offer startling insights into some of the sport's most controversial moments - from the assault on Ronan O'Gara during the 2001 Lions tour to Gary Ella's tenure as Leinster coach. They also express their opinions on the most important issues facing the game today - from Brian O'Driscoll's hair to the role of the coach and the future of the sport itself. Their take on the times is often as comical as it is insightful. Compelling, informative and humorous, Legends of Irish Rugby is by far the most revealing volume yet on one of the country's favourite sports.

We are a nation obsessed with sport. From the local GAA club, which is at the heart of so many Irish communities, to the racehorses that are trained and raced throughout the country; from our national football teams to our boxers, cyclists, athletes and more, we love county championships, national competition and international competition too. Our athletes are world champions, Grand Slam winners and, of course, let's not forget the Olympics. In this compilation of photographs spanning decades of Irish sport, readers can enjoy and reminisce on some our nation's best sporting moments, both nationally and internationally. The team at Sportsfile have been photographing Irish sport for four decades, capturing the highs and lows, the participants and the fans alike, both at home and abroad. Celebrate all that is great in Irish sport in this fantastic collection of photographs.

'Sexton will go down as Ireland's greatest ever player' Gordon D'Arcy, Irish Times No Irish rugby player has ever achieved more, or been a source of more inspiration to teammates and fans alike, than Johnny Sexton. In his hotly anticipated autobiography, Johnny tells the story of his life and explores the sources of his unmatched will to win. The Sexton era was marked by four European Cups, four Six Nations championships (including two Grand Slams), a series win in New Zealand, two stints for Ireland at number 1 in the world, and the World Player of the Year award. Always outspoken on and off the field, Sexton offers an honest look at his childhood, his seemingly inauspicious early experiences in club and professional rugby, his relationships with key teammates and coaches (including Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell, Ronan O'Gara, Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell), and his ideas about the game. Obsessed is more than just a brilliantly detailed account of a legendary playing career. It is also a work of deep self-exploration, tracing the psychological arc of a player who almost always felt embattled, who struggled with self-doubt, and who was still learning new lessons about being a team-mate and a leader into his late thirties. Intense, witty, perceptive and frank, Obsessed is an autobiography worthy of its author and the essential chronicle of an extraordinary era in Irish rugby. 'The best ever Irish player to play the game' Andy Farrell ‘Sexton is on that rarefied plane of athlete where even his mere presence can feel quietly decisive.’ Jonathan Liew, Guardian ‘An essential read for any keen follower of professional sport in Ireland’ Irish Independent ‘A must-read ... a revealing glimpse into the psyche of a serial winner.’ Robert Kitson, Guardian

'Extraordinary . . . great fun' Barry Egan, Irish Sunday Independent 'A wonderful story . . . vivid and comprehensive.' Stephen Jones, Sunday Times ''Throughout it all though there is a feeling of warmth for the sport and for others. Above all there is a sense of achievement . . . Best was never one of the glamour boys, but he deserves star billing.' Daily Telegraph Rory Best is widely-regarded as one of Ireland's greatest ever captains. Entrusted by Joe Schmidt to lead the side that looked on the wane following the 2015 World Cup, Best's inspirational leadership skills and abrasive qualities proved to be the foundation stones for the most successful period in Ireland's history. His first year in charge saw Ireland complete a hat-trick of victories against the southern hemisphere 'Big Three', including leading his side to a first ever victory over world champions New Zealand in Chicago, a feat that etched Best's place in Irish sporting folklore and ended the All Blacks' record-winning streak of 18 Test victories. Ireland's annus mirabilis under Best's captaincy would come in 2018 however, when he led the side to only their third Grand Slam title, culminating with a famous victory over England at Twickenham, and a record-breaking run of 12 successive Test victories. When he stepped down as Ireland captain at the age of 37 following the World Cup in Japan, his fourth tournament, history will no doubt also judge Best to be one of their greatest forwards. A hugely-popular figure across the game, Best finished his career as Ireland's most capped forward, behind only Brian O'Driscoll and Ronan O'Gara in the all-time records, and also made over 200 appearances for his province Ulster.