Читать книгу The Boys of '93. Derry’s All-Ireland Kings онлайн

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It is no exaggeration to say we loved the man. Maria McCourt’s beautiful book captures a beautiful spirit, and for that we thank her.

NOTE TO THE READER

In early 2002, I got a call from Eamonn who asked, ‘Have you ever thought about writing a book?’

‘Just your autobiography,’ I replied.

‘Good. Meet me tomorrow night at the Carrickdale.’

Which I did along with Liam Hayes, the former Meath player and journalist. Eamonn was planning on retiring – again – and Liam was to publish his autobiography.

I agreed to write the book if Eamonn would agree to talk openly – having interviewed him as a sports journalist myself, I knew how cagey he could be.

He – unconvincingly – agreed and for the next few months we met, me having drawn up questions and him doing his best not to answer them: Derry and football were no bother, personal insights were a different matter.

The retirement was short-lived – again – and he called a halt in early summer, saying we’d return to the project when he eventually gave up the game.