Dalo: The Autobiography

Description

Anthony Daly was the most successful captain in the history of Clare hurling, leading the county to two All-Irelands and three Munster titles. Regarded as an inspirational figure by his fellow players, Daly's innate leadership and character prompted the Clare players, just three years after he had finished his playing career, to pursue him as manager at the age of just 34. During his three years in charge, he took Clare to the cusp of two All-Ireland finals, agonisingly losing the 2005 and 2006 semi-finals to the eventual winners, Cork and Kilkenny. It was that kind of ambition and drive to succeed which attracted Dublin hurling to Daly. Taking over the county in 2009, he led Dublin, in 2011, to their first National League title in 72 years and, in 2013, their first Leinster title in 52 years, before he retired as manager in September 2014. Dalo takes us from the early days growing up in Clarecastle through the early part of his career with Clare, the golden years and the extension into management, punctuated with intense and revealing stories from the dressing-room. Interlaced with drama, tragedy, his love of other pursuits, and his immense wit, Anthony Daly's autobiography offers a compelling insight into a unique personality in modern Irish sport.

Anthony Daly is one of the most respected and dynamic hurlers and managers of his generation. He has enjoyed success as captain of the senior Clare hurling team throughout the 1990s, and more recently as manager of the Clare and Dublin teams respectively. His playing career saw him winning two senior All-Ireland medals, three Munster provincial medals, and three All-Star awards. At club level, he holds five county club medals for Clarecastle, and a provincial medal in 1997. Daly managed the Clare senior team from 2003 to 2006, and was manager of the Dublin team from 2008 until 2014, culminating in Dublin winning the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship in 2013, for the first time in 52 years.

We predict the GAA world and greater public will love and embrace this book . . It is an exceptional book, surpassing even Jack O'Connor's marvellous Keys To The Kingdom as the most insightful, satisfying and complete account by a GAA manager . . Here is a book and a man brimming with honesty, humility and above all, humanity. * Irish Examiner * Sport book of the year. This is a refreshing departure from the string of paint-by-numbers autobiographies . . . carrying the emotional weight of a genuine insight into one of the GAA's most fascinating and honest characters. A great story well told. * Sunday Times (Ireland) * Highly recommended. It is such an honest, truthful read. -- Matt Cooper * The Last Word on Today FM * One of the most thoughtful, engaging reads all year. -- Malachy Clerkin * Irish Times * An exceptional autobiography. -- John Fogarty * Irish Examiner *