HAVING TROUBLE TRYING to settle on a Christmas present for the GAA enthusiast close to you?
Well, worry no more as we present the definitive selection of choices that will guarantee a positive reaction when they peel off the wrapping paper.
One of the many GAA autobiographies out on release
2016 has witnessed the publication of a few key GAA works documenting the lives of some fascinating characters.
Kieran Donaghy holding his new book and the eir Sport Sports Book of the Year award. Morgan Treacy / INPHO
Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO
Kerry Donaghy – ‘What Do You Think Of That?’
The winner of eir Sports Book of the Year is a compelling read. Ghost-written by Kieran Shannon, the book addresses Donaghy’s rise in the Kingdom, his fractured relationship with his late father as well as his basketball career.
Ken McGrath played an integral role in Waterford's revival. Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO
Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO / INPHO
Ken McGrath – ‘Hand On Heart’
One of the best individual hurlers of the modern era released his story this year. McGrath discusses the Waterford hurling renaissance in the 90s, their intense Munster rivalry with Cork and his devotion to his club Mount Sion. Do give it some consideration when making your choice.
Alan O'Mara was a former goalkeeper for Cavan. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
In this book, O’Mara thoroughly explores his mental health and how GAA rescued him from the darkness overthrowing his life.
Cathal McCarron in action for Tyrone. Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
Cathal McCarron – ‘Out Of Control’
This autobiography has triggered the most amount of reaction since reaching the shelves. The recovering gambling addict chronicles his experience with addiction and the trail of destruction it left in his own life as well as the lives of others. The Christy O’Connor ghost-written account of McCarron’s story has been controversially received by many, but let your GAA friend have a read to judge for themselves.
Season Tickets
Morgan Treacy / INPHO
Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO
If the person you’re buying for is the type to follow their county to every corner of the country, then why not help accommodate their devotion with a season ticket?
The ticket admits that person to all of your county’s Allianz Leagues matches and GAA Senior Championship matches – the Pay & Play policy applies after the opening Championship fixture.
Not only is the season ticket a gift that brings your friend closer to the action, the time efficiency involved in obtaining it makes life easier for you too.
Simply click on to this link, and follow the cues to pick the county and code your friend belongs to.
Gear – Boots, togs etc
Pre-season is approaching fast – if indeed, it hasn’t started already depending on what schedule your GAA fan is on. And there’s nothing more painful than trying to replace a pair of boots that are no longer usable, with socks protruding through as a result of overuse.
The togs that don’t fit round the waist because the string has disappeared are also ready for the bin.
Buying GAA gear can be pricey but there’s plenty of reputable bargain websites that can make it an easier and more affordable process for you.
Without meaning to champion one place over the others, Pro Direct always quotes reasonable prices if you’re looking for a starting point.
GAA Jewelry
Morgan Treacy / INPHO
Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO
Jewelry is always a solid shout when deciding on a Christmas present and if you can incorporate the recipient’s passion for Gaelic Games as well, then all the better. Simply log on to GAA.ie and take your pick from an assortment of items including watches, necklaces, cufflinks, bracelets, and rings.
Mayo GAA have new jerseys on sale for the upcoming season. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
If they’re not the reading type and the playing days are long behind them, then the Sideline GAA Sam & Liam 2016 DVD might be just the ticket. Priced at a more than reasonable €15.34, this DVD contains over 2.5 hours of live footage from both championships as well as the two All-Ireland finals.
Voucher
James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
Still stumped on what to get them and don’t want to take any risks? Then don’t, play it safe and buy them a standard voucher which will ensure they get the gift that they want.
From Elvery’s to Lifestyle Sports, O’Neill’s and Champion Sports – all recognised sports stores provide vouchers so you need not burden yourself with this problem for a second longer.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
6 things to buy the GAA fan in your life this Christmas
HAVING TROUBLE TRYING to settle on a Christmas present for the GAA enthusiast close to you?
Well, worry no more as we present the definitive selection of choices that will guarantee a positive reaction when they peel off the wrapping paper.
One of the many GAA autobiographies out on release
2016 has witnessed the publication of a few key GAA works documenting the lives of some fascinating characters.
Kerry Donaghy – ‘What Do You Think Of That?’
The winner of eir Sports Book of the Year is a compelling read. Ghost-written by Kieran Shannon, the book addresses Donaghy’s rise in the Kingdom, his fractured relationship with his late father as well as his basketball career.
Ken McGrath – ‘Hand On Heart’
One of the best individual hurlers of the modern era released his story this year. McGrath discusses the Waterford hurling renaissance in the 90s, their intense Munster rivalry with Cork and his devotion to his club Mount Sion. Do give it some consideration when making your choice.
Alan O’Mara – ‘The Best Is Yet To Come’
Former Cavan goalkeeper Alan O’Mara first came to prominence a few years ago through his superbly written pieces in the Sunday Independent in which he wrote about his battle with depression.
In this book, O’Mara thoroughly explores his mental health and how GAA rescued him from the darkness overthrowing his life.
Cathal McCarron – ‘Out Of Control’
This autobiography has triggered the most amount of reaction since reaching the shelves. The recovering gambling addict chronicles his experience with addiction and the trail of destruction it left in his own life as well as the lives of others. The Christy O’Connor ghost-written account of McCarron’s story has been controversially received by many, but let your GAA friend have a read to judge for themselves.
Season Tickets
If the person you’re buying for is the type to follow their county to every corner of the country, then why not help accommodate their devotion with a season ticket?
The ticket admits that person to all of your county’s Allianz Leagues matches and GAA Senior Championship matches – the Pay & Play policy applies after the opening Championship fixture.
Not only is the season ticket a gift that brings your friend closer to the action, the time efficiency involved in obtaining it makes life easier for you too.
Simply click on to this link, and follow the cues to pick the county and code your friend belongs to.
Gear – Boots, togs etc
Pre-season is approaching fast – if indeed, it hasn’t started already depending on what schedule your GAA fan is on. And there’s nothing more painful than trying to replace a pair of boots that are no longer usable, with socks protruding through as a result of overuse.
The togs that don’t fit round the waist because the string has disappeared are also ready for the bin.
Buying GAA gear can be pricey but there’s plenty of reputable bargain websites that can make it an easier and more affordable process for you.
Without meaning to champion one place over the others, Pro Direct always quotes reasonable prices if you’re looking for a starting point.
GAA Jewelry
Jewelry is always a solid shout when deciding on a Christmas present and if you can incorporate the recipient’s passion for Gaelic Games as well, then all the better. Simply log on to GAA.ie and take your pick from an assortment of items including watches, necklaces, cufflinks, bracelets, and rings.
Football and Hurling Championship DVD
If they’re not the reading type and the playing days are long behind them, then the Sideline GAA Sam & Liam 2016 DVD might be just the ticket. Priced at a more than reasonable €15.34, this DVD contains over 2.5 hours of live footage from both championships as well as the two All-Ireland finals.
Voucher
Still stumped on what to get them and don’t want to take any risks? Then don’t, play it safe and buy them a standard voucher which will ensure they get the gift that they want.
From Elvery’s to Lifestyle Sports, O’Neill’s and Champion Sports – all recognised sports stores provide vouchers so you need not burden yourself with this problem for a second longer.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
‘Every county needs a game like that 2004 Munster final, something to get the blood pumping’
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