Author:Brendan Cummins
Brendan Cummins has made more senior hurling championship appearances than any other player in the history of the game. In an era that produced such brilliant goalkeeping talents as Davy Fitzgerald, Donal Óg Cusack and Damien Fitzhenry, many would argue that Cummins has earned the right to be considered the greatest of them all.
Following his League debut for Tipperary in November 1993, Cummins went on to play at the top of the intercounty game for 19 consecutive seasons. He won two senior All Ireland medals, five Munster championships, four League titles and five All Star awards.
From fearless shot-stopping to pinpoint accuracy on his puck-outs, Cummins was unrivalled in the consistency of his performances, a consistency underpinned by a sometimes punishing physical commitment, mental discipline and great attention to detail. He was the rock upon which Tipperary built their team under many managers and changes of personnel.
Brendan Cummins' story is the story of Tipperary hurling over the last two decades. The ups and downs. The dramas. The characters. From his senior championship debut in 1995 under Fr. Tom Fogarty to his final games under Eamon O’Shea, Cummins has seen it all. Standing My Ground is a remarkable account of an extraordinary career.
Rarely has a GAA autobiography been more generous or insightful into how to prepare and play at the highest level.
—— Kieran Shannon , Irish ExaminerTypically honest and forthright offering from the goalkeeper of his generation.
—— Malachy Clerkin , Sports Books of the Year, Irish TimesFull of wit, insight and emotional sincerity, this is a fine rugby book by a sporting great.
—— RTE Radio 1, Today ShowAn enjoyable and engaging read... offers both a cold and affectionate eye on all aspects of the game.
—— Kieran Shannon , Irish ExaminerI wholeheartedly recommend it... a brilliant achievement.
—— Ger Gilroy , Newstalk, Off the BallLenihan's eventful life makes a colourful read.
—— Rugby World, Book of the MonthA true icon of Irish rugby.
—— Mail on SundayCharts an epochal time in the game when it moved from amateur to professional and typically doesn’t pull his punches.
—— RTE GuideGripping... an uplifting story of a truly decent man, his athletic prowess and his unwavering faith. Read it.
—— Oldham Evening ChronicleHamilton sets out to reveal the man behind the movie (and that indelible song) and he certainly succeeds.
—— Washington PostHamilton shows Liddell as more than a star who used the spotlight to call attention to his beliefs: he was a truly selfless human being who gave everything he had to others... his writing feels effortless in this inspiring story.
—— Publishers' WeeklyVivid and heartfelt... Hamilton's passion for his subject shows through on every page.
—— BookpageThey both love football. So the letters are about football but also lots of other things. It reminds you that watching football is about lots of other things too… I really enjoyed this.
—— William Leith , Evening StandardThis is the definitive written history and celebration of one of sport’s most socially influential and thrilling episodes
—— Nick Pitt , Sunday TimesEvokes times when West Indian cricketers were…dominant
—— Huw Richards , GuardianExcellent
—— Andy Bull , ObserverOne of the areas in which Lister really does a fantastic job is balance of opinion. The author has his own views, some more common sense than others, but he gives column inches to all sides of a story and allows everyone a chance to state their case… here's an excellent balance between sport and life. It gives great insight into some fascinating individuals and doesn't shirk the big issues. It's comprehensive, an easy read and never overstays its welcome… This book is a must read for the cricket fan out there, full of interesting stories, tales from the tour and a really close look at one of the best sporting outfits of all-time.
—— Wexford PeopleBrilliant, bruising
—— Donal Ryan , Sunday IndependentThis is so much more than the story of their journey – it’s a superbly written, endlessly fascinating book encompassing history, geology, landscape, family memories, wars experienced and lives well lived.
—— Choice MagazineOne of the most unexpected and enjoyable reads of 2016… The book fizzes erudition and is delightfully leavened by the companionship of his aged and doughty father.
—— Guardian, Readers' Book of the YearA very funny book - not jovial in the post-Wodehouse Boris mode but something more taught and Caledonian... The politician in Stewart never had a chance against the writer, a reliable adversary of consensus and cant.
—— Minoo Dinshaw , OldieBeautiful, evocative, and wise.
—— Malcolm Forbes , Star TribuneThe Marches is a transporting work from a powerful and original writer.
—— Harvard PressThis beautifully written account is a moving memoir of tales from along the route but also reflections on life and relationships – father and son on this their last journey together.
—— ProspectRory Stewart is one of the most talented men of our era. The Marches takes us from Rory’s constituency to his family house is an attempt to understand the bloody history of the Scottish borders… The quest is fascinating even if the answers are elusive.
—— Bruce Anderson , SpectatorAs the book unfurls, the march along the marches turns into a eulogy to his father, part memoir, part biography, always a love story. It also contains one of the most unflinching, moving descriptions of death I have read.
—— Melanie Reid , The TimesThis beautifully written book is a haunting reflection of identity and our relationships with the people and places we love.
—— Jane Shilling , Daily MailStewart provides much food for thought about how we value our past history
—— Susannah Law , Scottish Field