From Kilkenny’s four in a row, to Ireland’s success against England and France on route to an historic Grand Slam title, the women of Cork making it five, and the show stopping GAA 125 celebrations, the Croke Park Annual is a must have compendium of images, stories and highlights from the year at GAA HQ.
Covering every GAA game played in Croke Park this year, as well as features on Ireland’s rugby and soccer encounters which led to glory and despair, the annual is a fantastic memory of another wonderful sporting year.
Cats fans can savour not only reliving their four in a row success, but also a feature on the man they call the “sublimely reliable” Tommy Walsh.
Some of Ireland’s leading sports journalists have contributed to this year’s annual; Martin Breheny wonders if it’s time for change in the hurling championship, Des Cahill reflects back on his first season at the helm of the Sunday Game, and Cliona Foley profiles probably the most successful ladies football team ever. The annual is also a fantastic pictorial history, with images from leading sports photographers Sportsfile bringing the sporting year at Croke Park vividly to life. This was a year that Croke Park also witnessed the spectacle that was the GAA 125 celebrations back in January, which is remembered by Jarlaith Burns, as well as sold out concerts by U2 and Take That.
“It’s been an amazing year in Croke Park from GAA, rugby and soccer to spectacle and entertainment. You can really appreciate the scope when you see it documented and brought to life in pictures” said stadium Director, Peter McKenna. “It was a year with many highlights including the fantastic showpiece of the GAA 125 celebrations and some great GAA action throughout the season; England and France in February; Italy and France in the World Cup Qualifiers; Autumn Internationals with Ireland defeating the World Champions; not to mention sell out concerts by U2 and Take That. A very busy year for everyone”
The annual is available in bookstores and newsagents nation-wide priced at €8 and also includes 2010 fixtures.
