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Saints rising : the early history of St. Patrick's Athletic FC

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This book charts the history of the St. Patrick's Athletic from its formation in 1929 through to the end of a decade of extraordinary League of Ireland success in 1961. It is the first book on the history of St Pat’s, ‘the Pride of Inchicore;’ a Dublin institution with one of the great rags-to-riches tales in Ireland’s sporting lore.

254 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2022

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Dermot Looney

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
1 review
February 15, 2024
Fantastic and insightful view into a local institution. Dermot pulled information from everywhere and some of it will surprise you ! Brilliant book
1 review
November 7, 2023
'Saints Rising' is a fascinating account of the early history of St Patrick's Athletic in culturally-significant Inchicore. It is clear that the author, Dermot Looney, went to exhaustive lengths in his research. The end product is a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read about one of Irish sport's most famous institutions. 'Saints Rising' strikes that rare balance of being very well written yet also accessible. The target audience here extends far beyond those interested in football and St Pat's; it will also capture the imagination of anyone with a grá for Irish social history. A must-read.
1 review
October 25, 2023
A wonderfully written story of the meteoric rise of a group of friends and colleagues from playing football in the park to League of Ireland Champions in a few short years. Not only is it a detailed historical record of the events on the pitch, but also it provides the context of football in Ireland at that time, national and international events and the simple practicalities like getting to a game, breaking in new boots and raffles. This is all written with a clear and engaging style. Read it and be inspired by the rise of the saints.
1 review
December 10, 2023
'Saints Rising' is a must read for any St Patrick's Athletic fan, LOI enthusiast, and for anyone interested in the LOI at that time, or local history. This is the only book that documents the early history of St Patrick Athletic. It includes detailed accounts of team players, match reports, with a descriptive backdrop of times as they were back then. Well researched and beautifully written. I really enjoyed the old programmes included, pictures of the Pat's teams, old news reports,cups and medals. A fantastic read and would recommend 5*!
1 review
October 25, 2023
Great read - chronicles the story of St Pats from it’s inception to current times - hard to believe this is the first book ever to do so. Comprehensively written and lots of local legends included. Has a photo section. Fascinating read for anyone interested in football in Ireland or anyone local to Inchicore / surrounding areas.
2 reviews
October 26, 2023
As a fan of the League of Ireland I was delighted to get my hands on a copy of this book and it did not disappoint. A fabulous, detail oriented, history of the early years of St. Patrick’s Athletic is an exceptional production and a must have for anyone interested in the history of Irish sport, the League of Ireland or St. Patrick’s Athletic.
1 review
October 31, 2023
This book is the brilliant story of the rise of St Patrick’s Athletic FC from Inchicore, Dublin 8.

The book is brilliantly written by Dermot Looney, a lifelong supporter of the club.

It is a fascinating account of a brilliant football club’s early days. The book is packed full of stories which make for interesting reading alongside a detailed overview of the stats along the way.
1 review
November 7, 2023
A superbly written and thoroughly researched book that charts the incredible rise of St. Patrick's Athletic from the Phoenix Park's 15 Acres to the very top of Irish Football. This book is a must read for all Saints' fans as well as anyone interested in the ups and downs of the Beautiful Game in Ireland in the first half of the 20th Century.
1 review
October 24, 2023
Bought as a gift for my dad last Christmas. As a life-long Pats supporter he absolutely loved the book. Highly recommended for any St Pats and League of Ireland supporters. Fingers crossed for part 2 at some stage down the line!
1 review
October 25, 2023
As a reasonably new convert to both St Pat's and the LOI really enjoyed this book. Great read and a very easily digestible writing style. Would recommend it for any pat's fan but also the wider LOI fan base for anyone interested in the league. Look forward to a second part at some stage!
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1 review1 follower
November 8, 2023
A thoroughly researched and comprehensive book that outlines in fascinating detail the early years of St. Patrick's Athletic. A must read for any Pat’s fan but also an engaging book for anyone interested in local Dublin history. I would highly recommend this book.
1 review
October 24, 2023
An exceptional chronicle of the founding years of St Patrick’s Athletic. A must read for all fans of Irish football.
1 review
October 25, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this early history of St Pats- very interesting read
1 review
October 25, 2023
Great read, very well researched and written with a true fan’s passion for the team. Will make a great Christmas present for that football fan in your life.
1 review
October 27, 2023
Excellent book, great story well researched. The authors passion shines throught. Highly recommended for anyone into history and or sport.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews