New releases…

EDWIN MCGREAL

Our Finest Hour

From All-Ireland senior titles for Crossmolina and Ballina to landmark Junior B crowns for Eastern Gaels and Kilfian, Our Finest Hour is a celebration of all that is great about GAA clubs in Mayo.

Written by experienced GAA journalist, Edwin McGreal, this book features glory days from 54 football and hurling clubs throughout the county but is also a tribute to the clubs themselves and what they give to their communities.

Featuring wonderful moments across seven decades – from 1958 to 2023 – it highlights some lesser-known stories and fresh perspectives on some famous days.
Based on first-person testimony from more than 200 men and women involved in these clubs and together with forensic research, is illustrated by over 200 photographs, many of which have never been published before.
This book focuses not just on the glory days but the context behind them, the journeys that precipitated them, the fun and laughter, the sorrow and sadness, all of which offers a unique insight into each and every corner of the county.
Our Finest Hour is a treasure trove for everyone who loves the GAA, their club and theircommunity.
“It is absolutely top class. Reading each chapter, I was drawn in every time. You felt like you
were there for that moment, you felt like you were there in the dressing room, on the field.”
Michael D McAndrew, Sports Editor, Midwest Radio
“A proper GAA book – depth in every chapter. It’s absolutely top-notch. I will read every last
word.”
Liam Horan, renowned journalist, writer and broadcaster
“It’s because of those human interest stories – and there are so, so many of them – that Our
Finest Hour is such a compelling read ... What a collection of anecdotes there is in this book,
both funny and poignant; stories that will appeal to Mayo GAA fans everywhere.”
James Laffey, Editor, Western People

ALAN CLARKE

Big News Coming Soon

With more than 250,000 followers on social media, Mayo man Alan Clarke is quickly becoming one of the best-known and popular content creators in Ireland. His hilarious sketches, social media fame and insightful podcasts have catapulted him towards hugely successful ‘Big News Coming Soon’ live shows at packed-out venues. But in this candid account of his life to date, Clarke lifts the lid on many of his struggles from a young age and challenges which follow him to this very day.

He charts his journey from the relative safety of full-time employment to life as a serial entrepreneur and the ups and downs of various business initiatives, including how a neighbour’s missing donkeys became a lightbulb moment

on his journey to online fame! This is a story of his difficulties and resilience, and has lots of laugh-out loud moments. It is a compelling insight into his life and the world of the often-maligned social media influencers.
Alan Clarke lives in Castlebar, County Mayo with his loyal companion, Kookie. This is his first book and now that he’s a published author, he feels he is at least 89 per cent famous! He has a quarter of a million followers across social media platforms, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok with very high engagement levels for his humorous content. Alan left school early and has had a rollercoaster journey since – working as a carpenter, a supermarket manager, DJ and radio presenter, and now hosts the hugely successful ‘Big News Coming Soon’ podcast and live shows. He has had several business initiatives over the years too. He has won two prestigious ‘Gossies’ for his content and has raised several thousand euro in various charity fundraisers.
‘A delicious read. Better than Shakespeare.’ – Garron Noone, national treasure
‘Alan’s authenticity shines through at all times. Top bloke with top content.’ – Keith Barry, mentalist and author

LISA KELLY

Dingle’s Christmas at Ashford Castle

Dingle the owl lives at Ireland’s School of Falconry. He is a curious owl and has always dreamed of seeing what Christmas is like in a real Irish Castle.

One snowy Christmas Eve, he bravely chooses to follow his dream and his Christmas wish comes true with the most unexpected surprises.

Written by Irish-American author Lisa Kelley and illustrated by Achill-based artist Maeve Clancy, Dingle’s Christmas at Ashford Castle is an exquisite production in hardback with a dust jacket and containing a bespoke ribbon bookmark with Dingle’s name on it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa Kelley lives in Montana with her husband and two children. She has deep Irish roots and studied at the University of Galway.
Ashford Castle is a treasured destination for her family. She has an abiding love for Ireland, its people, animals, and particularly for a special owl named Dingle.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Maeve Clancy is an artist living and working on Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland. She makes cut-paper exhibitions, writes and draws graphic novels, and designs sets for stage and screen. Drawing and story are at the heart of all of her work.
It has been a particular treat to illustrate this story of Dingle the owl in the beautiful setting of Ashford Castle.
‘A heartwarming tale of Christmas in an Irish castle.’ – Debra Spinney
‘A sweet book about a delightful owl named Dingle who goes on a bold holiday adventure through one of Ireland’s great medieval castles. Will warm the cockles of everyone’s heart, young and old alike.’ – Jim Robbins, Author of The Wonder of Birds and science writer for The New York Times