Author:Packie Bonner
Irish national hero, a Celtic great and their most-capped player, Patrick 'Packie' Bonner is a goalkeeping legend.
He was Jock Stein's last signing for the club when he left his native Donegal for the city of Glasgow in 1978, where Packie evolved from being a shy, homesick teenager into a confident, world-class talent and first-choice goalkeeper. Billy McNeill handed him a debut on St Patrick's Day in 1979, and Packie went on to provide the last line of defence a record 641 times for the club. A seasoned Irish internationalist, Packie was a vital component in the most-celebrated Irish national squad ever, playing in a golden era under the tutelage of the inimitable Jack Charlton.
In The Last Line, Packie shares stories from his incredible career, including his greatest moment in front of a global audience during the Italia '90 World Cup tournament when he became the penalty shoot-out hero of the nation by saving a spot-kick that took the Irish to the quarter-finals stage in their very first World Cup adventure.
It was an iconic moment that would change his life forever not least because, whilst in Italy, he, along with his teammates, had an audience with another goalkeeper, Pope John Paul II.
Throughout his 80 cap international career, he competed against the very best in the world. Men such as Ruud Gullit, Marco Van Basten, Gheorghe Hagi, Roberto Baggio and Gary Lineker came to know the name Packie Bonner. Equally, in his glittering Celtic career that included the winning of four Scottish League titles, three Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup, Packie Bonner played alongside some great Celtic names like Tommy Burns, Paul McStay, and Murdo Macleod.
Along the way, Packie had to endure a career-threatening back injury, as well as the devastation of a routine save going wrong and costing a goal on the world stage against Holland in 1994, ultimately leading to elimination from the World Cup in America.
More than just the telling of trophies, titles and triumphs, this is the story of a Celtic legend and a true great of Irish International football.
It's a terrific tale that all Celtic supporters will enjoy
—— Celtic ViewParticularly good on Ireland's Triple Crown teams of the 1980s, Lenihan is also revealing about his varied experiences with the Lions as player and manager.
—— Sunday Times, Sports Books of the YearFull 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