Meet the Irish men and women who aimed high in the sport they love. From Dan Donnelly, our first heavyweight boxing champion, to our greatest runner, Sonia O'Sullivan. From Brian O'Driscoll's amazing rugby performances to Rosemary Smyth's rally driving brilliance. From the heroic rowing of the O'Donoval brothers to the our women's hockey team: the first ever Irish team to reach a world final. Featuring many people whose achievements have fallen from view, such as Anne O'Brien (the first Irish female professional football player) and Francie Barrett, the first traveller to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games.
The remarkable stories of these trailblazers from throughout Ireland will inspire and excite children of all ages.
Donny Mahoney and illustrator Eoin Coveney will draw you into the amazing world of these athletes, and introduce the next generation of role models.
Donny Mahoney is a writer and journalist. He was born in America and has lived in Ireland since 2004. He is one of the co-founders of the website Balls.ie, where he works today.
This book introduces us to sporting legends from as far back as the 1780s up to today’s leading Irish athletes, highlighting those who have become legends in this country and those whose impact has been global. The breadth of sports covered is vast, from popular sports such as GAA, soccer and rugby, to less widely practised sports such as road bowling and surfing. A must for all future Irish sports stars
Children's Books Ireland
The stellar line-up featured in illustrated mini-biographies is likely to inspire sports starts of the future
Evening Echo
The writing was amazing, but the illustrations were unbelievable!!! Everyone looked so real! My favourite stories were Cora Staunton and Katie Taylor because I thought they were written the best. I also loved the teams at the end and the multi-sport page … an amazing book. I would recommend it for 8-16 year olds but it is a book that anyone can read. Overall, I thought this book was fantastic and I would rate it nine and a half out of ten. By Lucy. aged 10, 5th Class, Divine Word NS, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Seomra Ranga
A valuable collection-cum-tribute to our outstanding sportspeople over the last hundred years
Irish Examiner
Sportspeople from the Rebel County are also to the fore among the subjects of Aim High … stellar line-up featured in illustrated mini-biographies is sure to inspire sports stars of the future and includes Skibbereen rowers the O’Donovan brothers, and Cobh’s Sonia O’Sullivan
The Holly Bough
Fantastic children’s book … an ideal Christmas present … the illustration is … top quality
MidWest Radio’s Sports Show
A must for young Irish sports fans
Ireland’s Own
The thread of possibilities runs through … unapologetically making the case for what can be done by anyone who puts their mind to it
Irish Times
Shining a welcoming light on some inspiring Irish sports figures if not necessarily household names
Irish Examiner
Teaching Resources: free to view and download
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Teaching Guides:
Teaching guide to the book by Peter Heaney