Second Sight: Rugby & Redemption, My Story

by Ian McKinley, Gerry Thornley, Johnny Sexton (Foreword)

Rugby’s long history is full of tales of inspirational courage. Yet there has never been a rugby player quite as remarkable, quite as jaw-droppingly brave, as Ian McKinley. The young fly-half was one of Ireland’s hottest rugby prospects. But his life changed forever when a horrifying injury to his left eye while playing for University College Dublin saw McKinley’s vision, his world and his future come crashing down around him. It left McKinley blind in one eye and bereft, forcing him into early retirement, his ambitions and his dreams scattered in the wind. After relocating to Italy to heal and rebuild himself as a youth rugby coach, a heartbroken McKinley battled on until a sudden refusal to bow to cruel fate once again changed the course of his life. In that moment, he made a vow – that he would do whatever it took to once again play the game he loved at the highest level. Second Rugby and Redemption is more than just an astounding sporting story, it is a tale that celebrates the power of the human spirit to overcome the greatest of setbacks.

Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2022

Reviews

[David Bowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Particularly interesting for me because I live in the area, know many people in the book and love rugby.

Well written and easy to read. An inspirational story against adversity. Well worth a read.

[David Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story and an amazing man x

[Paul Handley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Heartbreaking, Inspiring, Honest - This is up there with all the great rugby books.