The Gambler

by Oisin McConville, Ewan MacKenna, John McEntee (Foreword)

A GAA stars journey through addiction amidst public fame and adulation.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2007

Reviews

[David Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been wanting to read this for quite awhile and over Christmas decided to get it.
It's a telling tale of a one of the greatest footballers on one of the greatest football teams.
Oisin dives into his gambling addiction and how football was hit outlet, his vessel to release his anger and frustration as his life outside of football was crumbling. After reading this it gave me an eye opener into the depths that not just gambling but any addiction can take someone too and Oisin is open about how he felt at this time. I like really recommend this to someone into the Gaa but also into autobiographies as a whole

[Aoife · Rating 3 out of 5]

I joined Kindle unlimited for a free month’s trial for a book, which I somehow haven’t read yet. (Cat in The City - Nick Bradley) I’ve been distracted by a few, but this is a reminder to use these trials and read books you wouldn’t usually!

GAA is definitely back and although I don’t read too many sports autobiographies and I know this is an old one and we’re all still a bit sensitive to the reigning All Ireland winners, especially the fans, but I had heard about this one and Oisin’s troubles with gambling, so decided to give it a read.

We learn about his demons, how he hid them, how the GAA saved him and all about his Catholic rehab experience. We learn about the Ulster titles, the rocky road to Dublin (Croke Park) and all the near wins. It’s fully dominated by the GAA play by play and only a small bit deals with his addiction and rehabilitation. The book ends although with him ending his career and penniless, but it’s all in good humour!

[j r davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

Honest account of life in and away from the sporting arena.
I had no knowledge of Gaelic football but still found the story insightful and heartfelt. Well written and engaging.

[James Mc Neill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Title is very misleading. Autobiography of football career.

[Stonyrover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good enough. An honest account of a GAA footballing career. The book is 90% football, with a chapter on his gambling addiction and very little on anything else in his life. But if you like GAA football it is a good recount of Armagh's rise from the late 90's.

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent read with lots of insight in to the Armagh team of the early 2000's.

[Ciara Boyle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Biography

Disappointed that there was actually little material on gambling given the title. It is a biography in many senses of the word but a reasonable read.