Philly McMahon fought off some stiff competition to take home the Eir Sport Sports Book Of The Year 2017 gong on Tuesday.
The Dublin footballer’s autobiography ‘The Choice’ is a personal account beginning at Philly’s days growing up in Ballymun and focuses on the different choices he and his brother John made throughout the course of their youth which resulted in the pair taking very separate paths in life.
John tragically passed away in 2012 after years of battling a crippling drug addiction.
The book, written by Niall Kelly, examines how the devastating loss of his brother affected and helped shape Philly’s outlook on life and made him the man he has become today in a profound and inspirational manner.
Amongst the many tales of on the field tribulations for Dublin and Ballymun Kickhams and the hard-man reputation he has built for himself through such, we also catch a glimpse of the soft side to McMahon off the field of play when football duty takes a backseat. A text from Tyrone goalkeeper Niall Morgan after the 2015 International Rules Series sums it up perfectly:
“I thought you were going to be a dick because of what you’re like on the pitch but you’re actually sound.”
The book is well worth a read for any sports fan.
Absoulety delighted "the choice" has won @eirSport book of the year. It was an honour to be shortlisted with so many brilliant people/books. Thanks for all the support and kind words. pic.twitter.com/ng33v3ZZel
— Philly Mc Mahon (@PhillyMcMahon) December 12, 2017
‘The Choice’ is the second Gaelic footballer’s autobiography to claim the crown in as many years, with Kieran Donaghy’s ‘What Do You Think Of That?’ clinching the prize in 2016. ‘The Ascent: Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche & The Rise Of Irish Cycling’ and ‘The Warriors Code’, Jackie Tyrell’s memoir were shortlisted for the award, coming up just short to McMahon and Kelly.
The awards was voted on by eight members of various Irish media outlets.
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