Blood And Thunder

More about the book

The book explores the complex relationship between Irish rugby and the island's political landscape, revealing how the sport evolved amid historical tensions of politics, religion, and class. It delves into the surprising embrace of rugby by Catholic schools, traditionally associated with the Anglo-Protestant elite, and examines how the sport became a unifying force despite its controversial past, including the Northern Troubles and issues surrounding professionalism. O'Callaghan's work serves as a social and political history of modern Ireland, enriched with compelling narratives and original research.