GER McCARTHY’S annual Christmas sportsbook listing is essential reading for sportsfans, as he compiles his top ten books from the year, covering athletics, GAA, soccer, rugby and boxing. Enjoy!

*****

1. The Race – The Inside Track On The Ruthless World Of Elite Athletics, by David Gillick (published by Gill Books)

My number one recommendation for 2025, The Race is different from other books in the genre in that it charts Irish 400m runner David Gillick’s on-track successes as much as his struggles retiring from the track. Written with Cathal Dennehy, Gillick delivers a brutally honest account of the highs of representing his country to the lows of failing to cope with everyday life after hanging up his spikes. Moving away from the track and into the media world, Gillick remains instantly likeable. So is this book.

*****

2. The Big Fight: When Ali Conquered Ireland, by Dave Hannigan (published by Merrion Press)

The arrival of boxing’s greatest exponent to Irish shores drew national and international headlines back in 1972. Muhammed Ali needs little introduction but Dave Hannigan has produced a marvellous book about the former heavyweight champion of the world’s fight with Al ‘Blue’ Lewis, which was held in Dublin. The story of how the fight came about, embellished with a galaxy of characters, and Ali’s ability to light up any room, including Dáil Eireann, makes this a nostalgic and enjoyable read.

*****

3. More Than A Game – The GAA And Where It Is Going, by Michael Moynihan (published by Gill Books)

Few authors understand grassroots and national issues affecting the GAA better than Michael Moynihan. The author asks if the GAA is about inter-county, club, being a real estate business or a media content company, and offers forthright assessments thanks to numerous insightful interviews. Moynihan’s analysis of Páirc Uí Chaoimh will be of particular interest to Cork GAA supporters.

*****

4. The Last Bell: Life Death and Boxing, by Donald McCrae (published by Simon & Schuster UK)

If you are a fan of Donald McCrae’s work in the world of boxing then this is a worthy addition to his In Sunshine or in Shadow and Dark Trade bestsellers. What sets this new title apart is McRae’s ability to interweave his personal anguish at the death of his sister, Heather, and dealing with terminally ill parents, Ian and Jess, as well as the death of his mother-in-law. Inside the ring, Katie Taylor, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury are just some of the household names encountered in a fantastic read, from cover to cover, by modern-day boxing’s best writer.

*****

5. Veni Vidi Vici, by Dominic Hougham (published by Pitch Publishing Limited)

Serie A still holds a special place in the hearts of Irish football fans of a certain vintage. Italian club football ruled Europe in the preceding decade and immediate aftermath of the Italia 1990 World Cup. Dominic Hougham has penned an excellent trip down memory lane charting the rise and fall of Italian clubs including AC Milan, Inter, Sampdoria and Juventus. Silvio Berlusconi, Lothar Matthaus, Diego Maradona, Roberto Baggio, Paul Gascoigne and Gianfranco Zola are just some of the luminaries included.

*****

6. The Brave And The Faithful, by Ivan O’Riordan (published by The O’Brien Press)

This is the ideal Christmas present for the Munster rugby fan in your life. Ivan O’Riordan chronicles the ups and downs of the province’s fortunes, over a 15-year period, between 2010 and 2025. What elevates this title above others in the genre are the hundreds of high-quality pitch side photographs, taken by O’Riordan, accompanying each chapter.

*****

7. The Dodger: DJ Carey And The Great Betrayal, by Eimear Ní Bhraonáin (published by Merrion Press)

Ok, this might not be an out-and-out sports book but still a timely read about one of the GAA’s former icons. Recently making headlines for all the wrong reasons, ex-Kilkenny hurling legend DJ Carey is the subject of a superbly researched and written book by Eimear Ní Bhraonáin. The callous manner in which Carey took advantage of close friends and business associates goodwill is detailed prior to the former All-Ireland and All-Star’s eventual fall from grace.

*****

8. The GAA Uncovered, by John Kelly (published by Gill Books)

This beautifully detailed visual history of some of the GAA’s most iconic match programmes is brought to life by John Kelly. One hundred years of provincial and All-Ireland final programmes, delivered across 400 pages, includes Cork and Kilkenny’s 1931 All-Ireland hurling final double-replay won by the latter. A perfect Christmas stocking-filler for GAA fans.

*****

9. Heart On My Sleeve, by Andrew Porter (published by Eriu)

Another year of rugby autobiographies, including Andy Farrell and Conor Murray’s entries, is topped by Andrew Porter’s brutally honest account. From childhood traumas to the front row of Ireland’s pack, Porter does not hold back. The result is a sometimes difficult but ultimately worthwhile read. Porter’s battles with mental health, weight issues and dealing with the death of his mother (when he was aged 12) precede the prop’s journey to the international stage and success in an Irish jersey.

*****

10. Shattered Dreams, Sliding Doors, by Paul Little (published by Pitch Publishing Limited)

Paul Little’s book on the Republic of Ireland’s 1982 World Cup qualifying campaign is a timely read considering Troy Parrott’s recent heroics in Budapest. Irish manager Eoin Hand and his international squad’s clashes with France, Belgium, Holland and Cyprus are recounted in vivid detail. Yet, it is the author’s decision to pen his book in the present tense, through his own eyes and family experiences, that set this book apart from similar titles in the footballing genre. A love-letter to growing up in the 1980s and a brilliant Irish team is well worth your time.

This is my annual compilation of recommended reading for those seeking a suitable Christmas gift for sports enthusiasts among their family or friends. Ahead of the annual Christmas rush, all ten of the listed titles should be available in your local bookstore. Rather than buy online, instead, please support book stores throughout the West Cork region over the festive period.