SPORTING STORIES OF THE NORTH WEST OF IRELAND
Richie Kelly
Remember when Charlie Nash won the European title? Or when soccer’s boy-wonder John Crossan was banned for life? Or when Harry Gregg became a hero at Munich? Or when Peter McColgan ran a four-minute mile? Or when Derry City FC became the first club in the League of Ireland to win the treble? Or when Donegal and Derry won Sam? Or when the ‘Spider’ Kellys made boxing history? Or when . . .
For decades, sportsmen and women from the North West of Ireland have been punching above their weight and winning national and international acclaim. And now, for the first time, Richie Kelly has captured many of their stories in a single volume celebrating the proud sporting heritage of Derry, Donegal and West Tyrone.
Sporting Greats of the North West is full of tales of heroism and triumph – and the occasional dramatic setback. Kelly relives the highs of Bertie Peacock’s glory days at Celtic and Coleraine, Limavady Cricket Club’s historic treble and City of Derry Rugby Club’s momentous league and cup double. He also recounts the lows of Finn Harps’ senior competitive debut when the Donegal team crashed to a 10–2 defeat.
From the Riverside to Wembley, Sporting Greats of the North West is packed with hundreds of intriguing images, histories, first-hand accounts, reports and anecdotes about the more popular sports on the North West calendar.
As a writer, columnist and broadcaster, Richie Kelly has been the Voice of Sport in the North West for a generation. His passion, flair and huge knowledge of sport are evident everywhere in this book. Eamon Dunphy
