The Nation Holds Its Breath

by George Hamilton

‘… David O’Leary is entrusted with the responsibility of taking the penalty that could send Ireland to the quarter finals of the World Cup. This kick can decide it all. The nation holds its breath …It’s there!” While the nation held its breath, George Hamilton delivered a line that will forever be etched in Irish sporting lore! A fixture in the commentary box since the late 1970s, Hamilton has enthralled and captivated his RTÉ audience for decades. Particularly through the many highs of the Charlton years, from Stuttgart in ’88 to Italia ’90 and the USA in ’94, he has engagingly articulated the joy and despair felt by the fans who listen with anticipation for his sporting gems. Written in his inimitable style, The Nation Holds Its Breath is a lyrical journey through the key moments of his life and career. The voice that is so familiar to millions is present on every page of this book, from his formative days in Belfast and early career in London to his eventual arrival in Dublin and RTÉ, where, alongside his sporting work, he has carved out an entirely separate career with his hugely popular Lyric FM show, The Hamilton Scores .

272 pages, Hardcover

Published January 5, 2022

Reviews

[Philippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short and snappy read, full of funny anecdotes about George's career travelling the world as a sports broadcaster and, more recently, also presenting a weekend show on classical music on RTE Lyric FM. George was born in the north of Ireland and hence the Troubles of the 60s and 70s also feature in the memoir. It's well worth a read if you've any interest in Irish sports - I would have liked a little more about his love of classical music and I'd hope that any follow-up book would talk about that aspect too.

[Catherine Steacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Muddled in places, Italia90 just about gets a look in this book despite the title.
Disappointing read.

[Shane Mulcahy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up listening to George Hamilton, and his commentary obviously goes hand in hand with some of the greatest moments in Irish sport. I was hoping this book would provide more of an insight into his profession with anecdotes from the great sporting events he's attended. Unfortunately, it's not a particularly insightful read.