Book description
Liam O'Callaghan's revelatory Blood and Thunder shows that the rise of Irish rugby is inextricable from the tensions, debates and divisions – of politics, religion and class – that have defined modern Irish history.Despite the political partition of the island, Ireland competes at rugby internationally with an all-island team – and with a bespoke anthem that nobody loves but everyone tolerates. Ireland has become a leading rugby nation despite its tiny population and the fact that the sport is only the fourth most popular team game on the island by participation.In Blood and Thunder, O’Callaghan traces the dramatic evolution whereby a rugby nation that was deeply attached to amateurism has made such a dramatic success of professionalism. From the sequence of events that led Ireland's private Catholic secondary schools to embrace rugby, to the controversies and crises that have shaken Irish rugby – including the Northern Troubles, the Belfast rape trial, and the rising toll of head injuries – Blood and Thunder tells the rich and fascinating story of Irish rugby.Blood and Thunder is more than a social and political history of Irish rugby. It is also a shadow-history of modern Ireland, rooted in brilliant original research and packed with terrific stories.
GiddeeUP
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Barbera Shift
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Nutmeg Riot
The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! Audiobook immersion made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Are Ess Tee
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever.
FearLeSS
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didn’t dislike it, but I also didn’t feel strongly about it one way or another. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Fast FLAK
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience.
Sly Silvermoon
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration – it's like flipping through pages. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Spider Fuji
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way – through audiobooks! Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Hightower
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries.
Feline Devil
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful.
Wooden Man
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JesterZilla
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Fire Sass
Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true winner.
Pogue
ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content – it's my new favorite app. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique.
Phoenix Sparrow
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need.
Commando
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs.
Trixie Doodle
Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work! As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Easy Street
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences.
Wiccan Thunder
Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. 📖📱 Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier – this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. 📱🎧 ListenBook is more than just an app – it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
MuseMaster
🚶♀️🎧 Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales – walking never felt this magical! 🏞️📚 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience