BRIAN O’DRISCOLL’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY The Test triumphed at the Irish Sports Book of the Year awards this evening.
The book, which he wrote in collaboration with the journalist Alan English, overcame strong competition from other nominees, including Roy Keane’s memoir The Second Half and The Race to Truth by Emma O’Reilly.
In his victory speech, O’Driscoll thanked his wife Amy and his ghostwriter, Alan English, who took over the project when original writer Paul Kimmage pulled out.
Jeffrey Archer, who was the recipient of the International Recognition Award, also made reference to the former Irish rugby star in his speech.
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"I never thought the day would come that... I would be in the same room as Brian O'Driscoll" - Jeffrey Archer's acceptance speech #BGEIBA
It won because it had Brian O’Driscoll’s name on the front. Great player and all but the book is pure drivel. Nothing remotely controversial or dare I say even interesting in it. He has the nice guy media persona to uphold and unfortunately that is reflected in the dull nature of this book. Very disappointing. There is a reason Paul Kimmage pulled out. Roy Keane or Alan McLoughlin should have won it. They, at least, were brutally honest.
What! This is a joke. His book is by and far and way the worst on that list. Have read excerpts from most and am really looking forward to Alan mcloughlin’s and yer wan Emma the physio, they sound like the most personal and interesting
It’s a bit like when he was voted sexiest man in Ireland. …by his girlfriend….albeit having a big cold sore on his lip. If he was a plummer, he’d be married to Jacinta from Rialto. Please go away…
Bod a decent player. Not a patch on ROG , but would maybe get in to a Munster team at his best in fairness. Shouldn’t b getting all the attention that he gets, when u never hear of the likes of Denis leamy and mick o Driscoll (just as good as Bod) never get a mention. Amazing, amazing book though. He should have pursued a career in literature instead!
In not trying to by funny. If you mean trying to be funny, then yes Bo I’m not. Its called banter, of which Im a Lord. I’m the people’s Lord. And you, Philip, are a bitter man jealous of my Score fame. When was the last time a child ran up to you in the street cheering your name and asking for an autograph?
That’s why he was chosen as Lions captain so many times. Leamy and Mick O’Driscoll had first refusal and BOD fed off their scraps. Can’t wait for their books!!!
It’s a very disappointing biography. Reads like a best mans speech. I learned nothing new about him. It’s not about dishing the dirt though. It’s about giving some insight into your life, your mind, your fears your hopes.
great player but the book lends nothing to a good read unless one is a total rugby fanatic or you know him personally! @gettingboredofthebrianandamyshow.ie
Ya I agree it’s a great read as is keano, They beat paul galvins book which was totally tragic but with good quality writing.. Galvins poor excuse of an auto bio (of which most was made up…) Is akin to an onion in a rose wrapper
Have u read it lol, I’ve never read such a self indulgent piece of s*** and I know someone mentioned in a story that says, no, that’s not quiet how it happened so a lot of bending of truths to make for better reading did occur.. Sorry if u seem upset it is but my opinion and I certainly won’t ‘get over myself, man’.. I could equally go on the attack with you asking on what grounds can you dispute my fact and tell u to get over urself, but no….
So you know a guy who has a different interpretation of what happened in one story. That’s your basis for claiming that most of it is made up. Riiiiiiiight.
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It won because it had Brian O’Driscoll’s name on the front. Great player and all but the book is pure drivel. Nothing remotely controversial or dare I say even interesting in it. He has the nice guy media persona to uphold and unfortunately that is reflected in the dull nature of this book. Very disappointing. There is a reason Paul Kimmage pulled out. Roy Keane or Alan McLoughlin should have won it. They, at least, were brutally honest.
Agree it wasn’t be most inspirational piece of work but in terms of sports auto biographies it was in the upper end of being somewhat bearable
What! This is a joke. His book is by and far and way the worst on that list. Have read excerpts from most and am really looking forward to Alan mcloughlin’s and yer wan Emma the physio, they sound like the most personal and interesting
A bit sick of him to be honest.
Only read 2 of the books nominated, his was one of them and the other was ‘Dalo. ‘Dalo’ by far the better book.
I’m not really a fan of pop up books……..
It’s a bit like when he was voted sexiest man in Ireland. …by his girlfriend….albeit having a big cold sore on his lip. If he was a plummer, he’d be married to Jacinta from Rialto. Please go away…
Bod a decent player. Not a patch on ROG , but would maybe get in to a Munster team at his best in fairness. Shouldn’t b getting all the attention that he gets, when u never hear of the likes of Denis leamy and mick o Driscoll (just as good as Bod) never get a mention. Amazing, amazing book though. He should have pursued a career in literature instead!
I presume you’re trying to by funny…fail!
In not trying to by funny. If you mean trying to be funny, then yes Bo I’m not. Its called banter, of which Im a Lord. I’m the people’s Lord. And you, Philip, are a bitter man jealous of my Score fame. When was the last time a child ran up to you in the street cheering your name and asking for an autograph?
When I said “yes Bo I’m not” it makes sense. Don’t ask me , it just does
Ha! That’s a little better
There is only one Lord on the score.ie and he goes by the name of JON WALTERS
Deffo not lord of banter anyways.
That’s why he was chosen as Lions captain so many times. Leamy and Mick O’Driscoll had first refusal and BOD fed off their scraps. Can’t wait for their books!!!
It’s a very disappointing biography. Reads like a best mans speech. I learned nothing new about him. It’s not about dishing the dirt though. It’s about giving some insight into your life, your mind, your fears your hopes.
Emma the physics book and Roy’s way better. This self adoration to O Driscoll is so way ott
Read it, it’s a good un
Stay off the drugs Lord… Mick o D as good as BoD, Christ that’s 2 funny.. and Leamy 2 : )
Bod please go away now and let us enjoy Christmas
Seriously! It could have been worse, it could have been Roy,
Good news. Brian O’Driscoll and Irish rugby deserve this accolade.
I enjoyed BOD’s book. Of the shortlisted ones which I have read I would have given it to Alan McLoughlin’s book
great player but the book lends nothing to a good read unless one is a total rugby fanatic or you know him personally! @gettingboredofthebrianandamyshow.ie
perfectly timed ”awards” to increase sales for the xmas market. the usual ”who ever turns up, wins one” awards….yawn
Ya I agree it’s a great read as is keano, They beat paul galvins book which was totally tragic but with good quality writing.. Galvins poor excuse of an auto bio (of which most was made up…) Is akin to an onion in a rose wrapper
How do you know ‘of which most was made up’ get over yourself man.
Have u read it lol, I’ve never read such a self indulgent piece of s*** and I know someone mentioned in a story that says, no, that’s not quiet how it happened so a lot of bending of truths to make for better reading did occur.. Sorry if u seem upset it is but my opinion and I certainly won’t ‘get over myself, man’.. I could equally go on the attack with you asking on what grounds can you dispute my fact and tell u to get over urself, but no….
So you know a guy who has a different interpretation of what happened in one story. That’s your basis for claiming that most of it is made up. Riiiiiiiight.
Sure the didn’t even write it did he???? wtf
*he
Why didn’t Alan English get the award – he wrote it after all!