Sportsfile marks 21 years of GAA book

OVER the past 21 years, Sportsfile’s ‘A Season of Sundays’ has become an eagerly awaited GAA tradition, marking the end of each season with a stunning collection of images.

The book is available online now and in bookstores nationwide from December 4. Now in its 21st year of publication, ‘A Season of Sundays 2017’ embraces the very heart and soul of Ireland's national games as captured by the award-winning team of photographers at Sportsfile.

This year’s instalment captures some fantastic moments from Dublin as well charting the highs and lows of the GAA season in another bright and absorbing look back at the year.

In 2017, we were treated to some thrilling football matches across both the leagues and the championship which culminated in an All-Ireland final for the ages that saw Dublin defeat Mayo to retain the Sam Maguire for a third consecutive season. In the hurling, there was no stopping Joe Canning and Galway as they ended their 29-year wait and got their hands on the Liam MacCarthy trophy after a thrilling final against Derek McGrath’s Waterford.

Sportsfile captured Sarah McCaffrey’s two goals off the bench as Dublin’s ladies followed their male counterparts by defeating Mayo, while in camogie, Cork got revenge on Kilkenny as they won their 27th O’Duffy Cup in a dramatic repeat of last year’s final.

Speaking at the launch, the book’s creator Ray McManus said: “A Season of Sundays is Sportsfile’s brainchild since 1996, and to see it mark its 21st birthday is special for the whole team to celebrate. 

“Since its inception, the book has captured some truly fantastic moments in each of those seasons and 2017 was no different.

“I would like to thank all of my dedicated photographers for their fantastic work throughout the year, and of course, the GAA community for making it such a thrilling season – one we won’t forget here at Sportsfile.”

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Aogán Ó Fearghail congratulated Mr McManus and all of his team at Sportsfile for yet another magnificent collection of images.

“This book is now firmly established as an absolute gem in the library of top class GAA annuals,” he said.

“The GAA year is a compilation of special moments. ‘A Season of Sundays’, year after year, is a treasure trove of these iconic images.

“From the moment that the first balls are kicked and pucked in a season – right through to the defining moments in the destination of Liam MacCarthy and Sam Maguire – Sportsfile are there, putting us in the heart of the action and their eye for the exquisite is as unerring as ever.”