FROM THE PITCH TO THE SOFA

With the long dark evenings comes the gradual shutting down of GAA activity.  The majority of the floodlights are off for the season, attention now swings to the Late Late Show on a Friday night, a mug of tea and a roaring fire.  Last week presenter Ryan Tubridy was joined in studio by Jim McGuinness.  Not that we expected anything else from McGuinness but his interview was very insightful. 

Jim was promoting his new book 'Until Victory Always' which was released last week.  On my way to work last week I was listening to a recent podcast from Tómas O'Sé, the former Kerry wing back was reminiscing with many tales of his late uncle Paídí and broken windows around Ard an Bhóthair.  Like Jim, Tómas was giving his new book a plug, after all it's that time of year.   

With the bonfires and fireworks of Hallowe'en behind us for another year, focus is on Christmas and for the GAA fraternity an autobiography is a welcome gift.  Here are a few that will be filling stockings around the country this Christmas.  It's great timing for releasing a book and often players and managers will be sifting through them looking for a nugget or two of information to make their team stand out from the crowd next season. 

Until Victory Always – Jim McGuinness (pictured left)There was only going to ever be one name for Jim's book, a man who strived for success for so long with plenty of knockbacks along his journey.  

The White Heat - Tómas O'Sé A man who made eighty eight appearance in the white heat of championship appearances for the Kingdom, O'Se is well placed to tell his story.    

Standing My Ground - Brendan Cummins When Nicky English took over the Tipperary team in the 1990s, Cummins started to keep a diary of this progress, set himself goals and assess his performances.  Now that he has retired he has put this to good use to tell a story of an extraordinary career.  

Henry Shefflin - The Autobiography One of the greatest exponents of the game of hurling has now lifted the lid on an awesome career.  Beneath the surface image of composure and effortless genius, his hurling life has included its share of adversity, disappointments and serious injuries. 

Keeping the Faith – John O'Mahony After provincial success with Leitrim and his native Mayo, he moved to Galway and landed the biggest prize of all.  O'Mahony's adventure with the Tribesmen twice broke Derry hearts on their march to Sam. 

Winning – How Donegal Changed the Game Forever – Rory Kavanagh Like so many of the Donegal 2012 group Kavanagh went from the doldrums to land success.  This book is an account of the McGuinness regime, the difference between being a champion and an also ran.