The inspiration behind many of Ireland's greatest days, Shay Given earned 134 caps for his country and played in goal for Ireland for 20 years!

From the time he was a young boy playing football with his brothers in the front garden of their Donegal home, Shay Given dreamed of football glory. Leaving home at just sixteen to join Celtic, Shay had to face many challenges on the road to becoming a world-class goalkeeper. He went on to play for top clubs like Newcastle United and Manchester City, played in the Champions League, and was the last line of defence for Ireland at the World Cup and the European Championships. The inspirational life story of the Republic of Ireland's longest-serving player.

About the Author
Natasha Mac a'Bhaird is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of the bestselling wedding planning guide, The Irish Bride's Survival Guide, as well as The Irish Bridesmaid's Guide. Her first two children's books, Missing Ellen and Olanna's Big Day, were both chosen for the White Ravens Collection. Her other children's books include Reindeer Down, Hannah in the Spotlight and Starring Meg.

Reviews

I enjoyed this book because Shay Given is one of the greatest Irish soccer players of all times and is an inspiration to all young soccer fans ... I would recommend this book to both boys and girls ages 10 - 12 who enjoy sport. I would give this book 9 out of 10. Oliver, Age 12, 6th Class Ballygarvan NS, Ballygarvan, Co Cork.

-- Seomra Ranga

Shay Given and Jason Sherlock's sporting lives are examined in two well-researched and accessible new books by Natasha Mac a'Bhaird and Donny Mahoney

* Irish Independent *

I would definitely recommend this book to any enthusiastic Irish soccer fans Aaron Lett, age 12

* Ireland's Own *

The statistics of Shay Given's illustrious career as a goalkeeper for the Republic of Ireland football team speak for themselves - but the story behind his love for the beautiful game is just as compelling. From a young age, Given was playing soccer with his brothers in Donegal, dreaming of representing his country. His journey from that beginning to the international stage is a compelling and inspiring one, and Mac a'Bhaird does it great justice, bringing us into the early days of Shay Given's sporting career.

* CBI Deliver the Joy of Reading *

I enjoyed this book because Shay Given is one of the greatest Irish soccer players of all times and is an inspiration to all young soccer fans ... I would recommend this book to both boys and girls ages 10 - 12 who enjoy sport. I would give this book, 9 out of 10 - Oliver, Age 12, 6th Class Ballygarvan NS, Ballygarvan, Co Cork.

-- Seomra Ranga



Book Information
ISBN 9781788492584
Author Natasha Mac a'Bhaird
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint O'Brien Press Ltd
Publisher O'Brien Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 161g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 130mm * 13mm