The inspiring story of how a boy from Dublin's northside found strength in his difference to become a gaelic football great. Choosing GAA over basketball, soccer and hurling, "Jayo" inspired a generation of fans and players. He went on to be a key member of Jim Gavin's 5-in-a-row backroom team.
Category: Biography/Memoir, Sport
Series:
Great Irish Sports Stars
Before Jason Sherlock was an icon of Hill 16, he was a prodigy in basketball, soccer and even hurling. Follow Jason’s journey from an estate in Finglas to the top of the Irish sporting world and how he became an Dublin GAA icon as the Boys in Blue won the All-Ireland football final in 1995. It wasn't always easy, as Jason had to cope with racist abuse from an early age. After his inspiring playing career, Jason would go on to become a trusted assistant for Jim Gavin during Dublin's five-in-a-row run. Discover how a boy from the Dublin northside found strength in his difference to become a gaelic football great.
Donny Mahoney is a writer and journalist. He was born in America and has lived in Ireland since 2004. He is one of the co-founders of the website Balls.ie, where he works today.
The O’Brien Press, meanwhile, have broadened their Great Irish Sports Stars series with titles on Dublin footballer Jason Sherlock and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, adding to previous biographies of Cora Staunton, Colm Gooch Cooper, and Cork legend Sonia O’Sullivan
I would recommend this book to people who are singled out because of their heritage because this book could help them to overcome the narrow-minded opinions of others and encourage them to follow their dreams, like Jason did. I would also recommend it to people who have a love for sport, just as much as Jason did. I give this book 10/10. It kept me interested, engaged and rooting for Jason Sherlock. Aidan, 4th Class, Ballygarvan NS, Co. Cork
Shay Given and Jason Sherlock’s sporting lives are examined in two well-researched and accessible new books by Natasha Mac a’Bhaird and Donny Mahoney
Jason Sherlock is one of Ireland’s true sporting heroes, but few people seem to know just how talented an athlete he was in so many different contexts. A literal sporting prodigy, he played soccer, basketball, even hurling, before becoming part of the 1995 All-Ireland-winning Dublin football team. Mahoney’s depiction of the challenges Sherlock faced, including racist abuse and discrimination, leaves the reader in awe of his determination and self-discipline. A truly inspiring read and an absolute must for any young sports fan looking for a role model.
Sherlock’s story is one of embracing the strength in difference and determination to excel in what you love
Download Teaching Guides: Teaching guide to the book by Peter Heaney
