Shay Given

The inspiration behind many of Ireland's greatest days, Shay Given earned 134 caps for his country and played in goal for Ireland for 20 years! 

From the time he was a young boy playing football with his brothers in the front garden of their Donegal home, Shay Given dreamed of football glory. Leaving home at just sixteen to join Celtic, Shay had to face many challenges on the road to becoming a world-class goalkeeper. He went on to play for top clubs like Newcastle United and Manchester City, played in the Champions League, and was the last line of defence for Ireland at the World Cup and the European Championships. The inspirational life story of the Republic of Ireland's longest-serving player.



I enjoyed this book because Shay Given is one of the greatest Irish soccer players of all times and is an inspiration to all young soccer fans … I would recommend this book to both boys and girls ages 10 – 12 who enjoy sport. I would give this book 9 out of 10. Oliver, Age 12, 6th Class Ballygarvan NS, Ballygarvan, 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



I would definitely recommend this book to any enthusiastic Irish soccer fans Aaron Lett, age 12



The statistics of Shay Given's illustrious career as a goalkeeper for the Republic of Ireland football team speak for themselves – but the story behind his love for the beautiful game is just as compelling. From a young age, Given was playing soccer with his brothers in Donegal, dreaming of representing his country. His journey from that beginning to the international stage is a compelling and inspiring one, and Mac a'Bháird does it great justice, bringing us into the early days of Shay Given's sporting career.



I enjoyed this book because Shay Given is one of the greatest Irish soccer players of all times and is an inspiration to all young soccer fans … I would recommend this book to both boys and girls ages 10 – 12 who enjoy sport. I would give this book, 9 out of 10 - Oliver, Age 12, 6th Class Ballygarvan NS, Ballygarvan, Co Cork.