Co Kildare man in bestsellers list

Sallins based author Patrick McCarry, has two titles in the Irish bestsellers list.  The New Breed has been number one for the past two weeks, with Man & Ball: My Autobiography: Stephen Ferris placed at numbers two and four respectively. During the Ruby World Cup last year Patrick made numerous appearance on national radio & television including TV3, Today FM and Newstalk.

Patrick McCarry has worked as a journalist since 2003. He has extensively covered the Irish rugby scene since 2010, with his work appearing in media outlets such as @TheGuardian', 'Sunday Tribune' and ' The Echo', and in IRFU, World Cup and British & Irish Lions match programmes. He currently works for SportsJOE.ie, 'Inside Rugby' (Australia) and 'Rugby Magazine' (Japan).

Wednesday 26 August 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of rugby turning professional. In 1995 an amateur Irish side had to beat Wales on the final day of the Five Nations to avoid the wooden spoon. Today, ahead of a highly anticipated Rugby World Cup, Ireland's professionals are reigning Six Nations champions. Change arrived, but it was far from easy.

It is a perfect time, then, to release a book that tells the story of Irish rugby's first professionals and the current crop who are gunning for glory. Through the eyes of the players and coaches that played vital roles in Irish rugby's transformation, Patrick McCarry’s The New Breed, Irish Rugby’s Professional Era brings that tale to life.

Key players of the first generation, including Ronan O'Gara, Denis Hickie, Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell, provide candid, enlightening interviews, while current professionals, such as Johnny Sexton, Keith Earls, Andrew Trimble and Rob Kearney, offer insights into the ever-changing science, slog and sacrifice it now requires to make it to the very top of today’s game.