Dalo

Anthony Daly was the most successful captain in the history of Clare hurling, leading the county to two All-Irelands and three Munster titles. First appointed Clare captain at just 23, he retained the role for eight seasons. Regarded as an absolutely inspirational figure by his fellow players, the captaincy was a natural extension of his personality. It was that innate leadership and character which prompted the players, just three years after he finished playing with Clare, to pursue Daly as manager. When he took over in the autumn of 2003, Daly was just 34 and one of the youngest hurling inter-county managers ever appointed. During his three years in charge, he took Clare to the cusp of two All-Ireland finals, agonisingly losing the 2005 and 2006 All-Ireland semi-finals to the eventual winners, Cork and Kilkenny. It was that kind of ambition and drive to succeed which attracted Dublin to Daly. Since taking over the county in 2009, he has led Dublin to their first National League title in 72 years and their first Leinster title in 52 years. Dalo takes us from the early days growing up in Clarecastle, in County Clare, Ireland, to the graveyard years of the early part of his career with Clare, through the golden years and into his position in management. Interlaced with drama, tragedy, his love of other sports, and his immense wit, Anthony Daly’s autobiography offers a compelling insight into an absolutely unique personality in modern Irish sport.