The GAA Museum is delighted to announce the return of our Book Club just ahead of Christmas. After a brief hiatus we’re back with a fantastic choice to read for December and January. Our choice is This is the Life by Ciarán Murphy.

Rather than focusing on the greatest players or intercounty teams, this book is about the other 99 percent! It is a witty and provocative look at grassroots GAA by a pundit who is also a passionate club player. This is the Life looks at the plight of clubs that are losing their players to big cities, and examines a world in which it’s normal to cheer on your county’s star players but then tog out alongside or against them in a club game. The book also reflects on what it feels like to take to the field with your friends and neighbours and to try to squeeze one more year out of your ageing body!

Ciarán Murphy is an acclaimed podcaster with Second Captains and a columnist with the Irish Times. In his own words he is an ‘ageing Gaelic footballer’ originally with Milltown in Co. Galway and latterly with Templeogue Synge Street in Dublin. This is the Life is his first book. Those wishing to get involved with the GAA Museum Book Club can sign up for free at www.crokepark.ie/bookclub. The GAA Museum team regularly choose a well-known GAA book to read and review. The museum team also interview the author and release the video to all members.

If you don’t have or can’t borrow a copy of This is the Life, it’s available to buy online at the GAA Museum Gift Shop. Visit the shop at https://crokepark.ie/shop/shop-home. You can explore our catalogue of GAA Museum Book Club choices and author interviews on our website. Here you’ll find chats with authors including Paul Rouse, David Hannigan, Tadhg Coakley, Siobhán Doyle, Niall McCoy, Michael Foley and Eimear Ryan. Our previous book choices might also inspire some Christmas gift ideas!