Irish Sporting Lives

The charming pugilist who became Ireland's first sport celebrity

The legendary Gaelic footballer who was imprisoned in 1916

He was the 1916 and War of Independence veteran who organised Gaelic football matches behind bars. In this extract from the Dictionary of Irish Biography's new book Irish Sporting Lives, Marie Coleman

The female Irish golfer who wasn't afraid to take a stand

She was a brilliant golfer who kept her day job and stood by her principles. In this extract from the Dictionary of Irish Biography's new book Irish Sporting Lives, Linde Lunney tells the story of Philomena Garvey

The Irishwoman who became an American tennis star in the 1890s

She was Victorian Ireland's most celebrated female tennis player who became a star in America. In this extract from the Dictionary of Irish Biography's new book Irish Sporting Lives, Paul Rouse tells the story of Mabel Cahill

The Irish female motor racer who became a Nazi sympathiser

She was the Offaly-born daredevil who became an unashamed Nazi. In this extract from the Dictionary of Irish Biography's new book Irish Sporting Lives, Niav Gallagher tells the story of Fay Taylour

Gentleman Johnny: the Irish soccer star who became a legend

He was the Dublin soccer player who became an international football star, captaining Manchester United and Ireland. In this extract from the Dictionary of Irish Biography's new book Irish Sporting Lives, James Quinn tells the story of Johnny Carey

How one woman changed the Irish equestrian world forever

She was a lifelong horsewoman and champion showjumper who had a huge influence on the Irish equestrian world. In this extract from the Dictionary of Irish Biography's new book Irish Sporting Lives, Terry Clavin tells the story of Iris Kellett

The Irish Wimbledon finalist who was convicted of murder

He was the privileged tennis player who went all the way to the Wimbledon finals and ended his days in a French penal colony. In this extract from the Dictionary of Irish Biography's Irish Sporting Lives, Tom Higgins tells the story of Vere Goold