Ronan O'Gara my Autobiography

by Ronan O'Gara

Ronan O'Gara is quite simply one of the greatest sportsmen Ireland has ever produced. He is a brilliant kicker both from the hand and at penalty goals, a sublime organizer of play from the out-half position, and a cool head in the pressure-cooker of club and international rugby. The list of the Cork man's achievements goes on and on:  he is the leading points scorer in Irish rugby history, and one of the top ten in the world; the leading points scorer in the history of the Heineken Cup; and the first ever points and try scorer at the home of Gaelic sports, Croke Park. In his candid, illuminating autobiography, O'Gara tells the story of those many on-field successes, culminating in the glorious year of 2006 when his tactical prowess and will to win first helped guide Ireland to the Triple Crown in the Six Nations championship, then Munster to a memorable Heineken Cup victory over Biarritz at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. O'Gara kicked a perfect five out of five in the 23-19 win as Munster lifted the coveted trophy for the first time, sparking wild celebrations heard all the way back in Limerick and Cork. Yet as in any sporting career, there have been the setbacks as well, most notably Ireland's disappointing performance in the Rugby World Cup in France last year. O'Gara reveals what really went on in a divided dressing-room as a series of flat performances sent the Irish crashing out, while he personally had to deal with a series of front-page allegations about his private life. O’Gara has never been shy about the fact that he's fond of a drink and a bet, and he confronts his critics head on in this book. This is the unforgettable story of a rugby player at the top of his game, of a life lived to the full, and of a passionate and proud representative of the people of Cork and Ireland.

Genres: Biography, Autobiography, Sports

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Ultan]

Standard sports autobiography fare. A must read if you are into Irish or Munster Rugby.

[Elaine Browne]

Brilliant well written insight into Ronan rugby and Munster

[David Bowles]

I guess that this book didn’t catch me the way a Leinster player’s book would have caught me!

I wasn’t shouting in my head for Munster to win as much as the author would have liked. O’Gara is very competitive and not particularly humble. It is an interesting perspective that he has and it was interesting to read about it. More interest in reading about Ireland and especially the Grand Slam. Difficult to read as Ireland threw away a potential Grand slam this year against England!!!

[Lewis White]

Pretty decent read, would recommend to people with an interest in rugby, especially those who are fans of Munster or the Irish national team.

Roman's life as a Irish rugby star is quite interesting, but it hasn't exactly been smooth sailing. His passion comes across well and makes for a good read.

[Olivia Tomlinson]

I didn’t love it, found it hard to stay with it at times and there wasn’t as much insight as I had hoped.

I think it’s a great read if you really remember the games referenced or are particularly interested in O’Gara’s style as a player.

[GRAINNE]

Really enjoyed this one, would be one of my favourite autobiographical books by a long way.
I am a Munster rugby fan so that helps too !!

[BMG]

I thought this book was only OK. Didn't think it was overly insightful or interesting. No major revelations.

Time to read 4 weeks
Rating 3.0

[Mikey Moriarty]

Shallow read. On this day I kicked X amount of points etc. Not at all insightful.

[Sean]

Reasonable read , but you would want to be a big rugby fan to enjoy.

[Steve]

A great insight into a true great of Irish rugny

[Maria]

Really enjoyed this book. Honest, emotional and funny.

[Damann]

Great read. V honest.