Local author Liam O’Callaghan traces the evolution of rugby on the island of Ireland in his latest book, “Blood and Thunder: Rugby and Irish Life: A History.”
As per the book’s synopsis, “Ireland has become a leading rugby nation despite its tiny population and the fact that the sport is only the fourth most popular team game on the island by participation. Blood and Thunder traces the dramatic evolution whereby a rugby nation that was deeply attached to amateurism has made such a dramatic success of professionalism. From the sequence of events that led Ireland’s private Catholic secondary schools to embrace rugby, to the controversies and crises that have shaken Irish rugby, the book tells the rich and fascinating story of Irish rugby.”
Glenroe native Liam was educated initially at Glenroe National School before progressing to Scoil Pól in Kilfinane. He obtained Bachelors and Masters degrees in History at UCC, completing his PhD at Leeds Metropolitan University. He now works in Liverpool Hope University, where he is an Associate Professor and Academic Lead at the Department of Sport and PE/Sport Psychology.
This is Liam’s second book on the subject of rugby history in Ireland, the first being the highly-acclaimed “Rugby in Munster: A Social and Cultural History,” published by Cork University Press in 2011.
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