Laois man Michael Egan, the creator of Laois GAA TV is set to publish the first two books in an exciting new children’s series.

Published by Gill Books, book one Declan Kirby GAA Star: Championship Journey will be published on Friday 26th March, followed by the release of book two Declan Kirby GAA Star: Away Days on April 30th.

A primary school teacher by profession, Egan first began writing the series while on a career break in Brazil. However, after returning to Ireland the manuscripts remained on his laptop for the last two years. It was only during the first lockdown in March 2020 that he considered submitting his work to a publisher. Upon receiving the submission, Gill Books Commissioning Editor, Sarah Liddy knew that Egan’s writing and characters would instantly appeal to young readers and GAA fans and offered him a four-book deal with the first two books launching this spring. 

Liddy says ‘We are delighted to be publishing these brilliant books. Michael has created a wonderfully realistic world around Smithgreen GAA club with a great cast of characters.’

Michael Egan has been a primary school teacher for over ten years and has coached several school GAA teams.  He set up Laois GAA TV three years ago, a website which shows highlights of important GAA club games within Laois. The GAA Star series is ideal for GAA-loving children aged 9+ and is designed with reluctant readers in mind.

About the books

GAA Star: Championship Journey - Follow the trials and tribulations of Declan Kirby and his team at Smithgreen Gaelic football club, a recently formed but promising GAA team. Although they have a talented team, there are problems beneath the surface – will their temperamental star player Dereck produce the goods when it is really needed? Meanwhile, someone seems to be hatching a secret plan to have the manager replaced, just when they need him the most. Declan also carries a secret wish – that his dad will once again come and see him play. Maybe if they make the championship final his dream will come true? 

Declan Kirby GAA Star: Away Days - Declan Kirby can’t believe it when he’s selected for the county team. What’s more, a few of his Smithgreen teammates are chosen as well. Declan and his friends band together to try and win an All-Ireland underage competition and travel to Galway where they find out all is not what it seems. 

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