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.
Nola
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
Lightweight
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks! ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
NexusNavigator
🎶📚 Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling – audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. 🎧🏠 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Versace-Cat
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content.
Knight Light
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Jelly Momentum
📱 My pocket-sized library – this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! 📚📱 💃 Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores – pure joy! 💃📖 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app!
Clover Rabbit
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
High Kingdom Warrior
This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story.
Bourbon Mirage
ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you! Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch.
Ice
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. Effortlessly exploring new worlds – this app's design is user-centric and efficient.
West Warrior
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. No more converting files – this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort.
Twisty Dew
I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app!
Hoboken Nightingale
With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences – it's a fantastic touch. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app! ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
Bug Fire
Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
Uluru Walker
ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. 🏝️ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures – this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. ☀️📖 ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy.
Houston
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app.
MysticMingle
This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Deano
This app is not just about convenience – it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. 🌟 Making every moment count – this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! 📚💫
Judge
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique.
Wrangler Jim
ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature.
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