Laois GAA All-Star Hurler and renowned coach releases new book

Laois’ only hurling All-Star Pat Critchley has recently released his third book titled ‘A Coaching Way’. Pat wants his book to be used as a resource for coaches as well as teachers as although the book covers mainly GAA and basketball, the contents are generic. 

The book begins with three blurbs from three well-known figures in the Laois GAA circles. Seamus ‘Cheddar’ Plunkett, Michael Dempsey and Pat Roe all give their thoughts of Pat Critchley with Pat himself saying he wanted to keep Laois relevant throughout the book. Those three men have been very successful in their careers and Pat is grateful to have three men of their calibre to call to give the book a read and offer their opinions. 

The Portlaoise GAA coach also pays tribute to young David Brown at the beginning of the book. David sadly passed away on Easter Sunday of this year. Pat coached the youngster when he was playing U-10 and U-11 and is a close friend of the Brown family so he felt it was only right to dedicate the book to such a fantastic young player and young person. 

The biggest message he wants the book to send is that coaches need to reflect on their coaching. A lot of the time, people are busy planning stuff week-on-week and don’t have time to reflect on what they’re doing. After taking time to reflect, some coaches might change the concepts that they have and give them insights as to what’s happening. This could help them on their coaching journey.

The official launch of A Coaching Way takes place on Wednesday, October 18, in the Midlands Park Hotel. It's for sale in All Books Portlaoise, at €15.