Search results for ""Author Donn McClean""

Pat Smullen was one of the greatest Irish jockeys ever. In a career laden with success, his position as one of the country’s best ever flat jockeys was long established. And yet, despite being a nine-time champion jockey, his humility defined him. It was this strength of character that sustained him when, in March 2018, Pat was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. There was never any self-pity. He just dealt with it. And more than that, he brought it centre stage: raising funds and awareness, and channelling his energies into helping others. Pat was a champion in all aspects of life, no matter what setbacks were thrown at him. Tragically, his life was cut short far too early in September 2020. Written in the months before his death, with the assistance of Donn McClean and completed by Pat’s wife, Frances Crowley, Champion is the inspirational story of the jockey whose legacy lives on. ‘From incredible highs to devastating lows, the championship battles and mental turmoil, the Derby winners and cancer heartbreak, Pat has left more than a legacy. Read this and you will agree with me - he is iconic.’ Ruby Walsh ‘Pat tells his story with the same honesty and humility that defined him as a person. He was a remarkable man and his is a compelling story.’ Sir Anthony Mccoy ‘Pat was an amazing man, a man of dignity who went about life with a smile on his face. He is an example to all of us.’ Frankie Dettori ‘Inspiring, heart-breaking and unforgettable.’ Brough Scott

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For four decades HEALY RACING has photographed the world of Irish horse racing. Delving into an archive of thousands of images, photographer Pat Healy and sports journalist Donn McClean selected over 200 golden Irish jump-racing moments. Their book captures the last decade of thrills and spills (2011–2020) – the sheer spectacle that is the Irish horse-racing scene. The sport’s biggest personalities, and their horses, are celebrated through the lens: JP McManus, Michael O’Leary and Gigginstown House Stud, Rich and Susannah Ricci, Willie, Patrick and Danny Mullins, Gordon Elliott, Jessica Harrington, Jonjo O’Neill, Henry de Bromhead, Nina and Paul Carberry, Ted, Ruby and Katie Walsh, Barry Geraghty, Davy Russell, AP McCoy, Paul Townend, Jack Kennedy, Rachel Blackmore, Bryan Cooper, Robbie Power, Jamie Codd, Lisa O’Neill and so many more. For every leap of victory and fist pump, there is a crunching fall or a win that almost was: HEALY RACING has captured it all.

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