Noel McGrath of Tipperary in action against Colm Spillane, Shane Kingston and Bill Cooper of Cork during the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Semi-Final match between Tipperary and Cork at Semple Stadium

Sportsfile released 21st edition of ‘A Season of Sundays’

Published: Thu 23 Nov 2017, 2:45 PM

Last updated: Thu 23 Nov 2017, 2:47 PM

Over the past twenty-one 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 book stores nationwide from the 4th December.

Now in its twenty-first 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 Tipperary 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 straight season. It wasn’t an easy road to the final for Mayo as they were knocked out of the Connacht Championship in the semi-final stage before the victors that day, Galway, were rocked by Roscommon who claimed their first championship in seven years.

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. The Tribesmen took their fine league form which saw them dismantle a good Tipp side in April into the championship and they’ll be the team to beat again in 2018. Sportsfile captured Sarah McCaffrey’s two goals off the bench as Dublin’s ladies followed their male counterparts by defeating Mayo in what looks to be the final game of a fine career for the green and red’s star forward, Cora Staunton, who recently agreed a move to Australian Rules’ Western Sydney Giants. While in the 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 said: “I want to congratulate Ray McManus and all of his team in Sportsfile for yet another magnificent collection of images for A Season of Sundays.This book is now firmly established as an absolute gem in the library of top class GAA annuals. 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. Maith sibh.”

John Comerford, COO of the book’s sponsors Carroll’s of Tullamore added: “Once again we thrilled to be sponsors of the ‘A Season of Sundays’ publication. Each year we are delighted by the publication with it’s wonderful selection of captivating imagery that brings the GAA season to life in a unique and inspiring way. As Ireland’s favourite ham brand, we are proud of our long-standing partnership with ‘A Season of Sundays’. We have deep roots in GAA as proud sponsors of the Offaly teams for over 25 years now, this publication is an extension of our connection to the GAA community across the country. I wish to congratulate Ray and his talented team on another fantastic edition looking back on what really was a captivating season of GAA”

With text by Alan Milton, it is a treasured record of the 2017 GAA season to be savoured and enjoyed by players, spectators and enthusiasts everywhere. It would make the perfect Christmas gift for any GAA fan, retailing at €24.95 from bookstores nationwide and online at www.sportsfile.com.