Limerick supremo John Kiely to launch new coaching book - Pat Critchley's 'A Coaching Way'

All-Ireland winning hurling manager John Kiely is heading to Portlaoise to launch Pat Critchley’s latest book titled ‘A Coaching Way’ on October 18 at the Midlands Park Hotel.

The Limerick man will feature on a discussion panel, as the night is sure to be a must for fans and those who crave insight into how successful teams are coached and prepared.

He will be joined on the panel by Pat, former Kilkenny hurling coach and Laois football manager Michael Dempsey and former Laois hurling manager Seamus ‘Cheddar’ Plunkett.

Indeed Michael and Pat face off on the line in the upcoming Laois football final as both men have coached their own clubs to the decider - Michael with St Joseph’s and Pat of course with the Town.

An event such as this does not come around too often, and it is sure to be packed on the night as the panel discusses the future of gaelic games and what it takes to succeed in the  rapidly changing modern game.

Pat’s book gathers forty years of top level coaching - there’s anecdotes and detailed analysis - backed up by top level insights from great coaches that Pat has learned throughout his career.  As a player, he won Laois first and only hurling All-Star in 1985. He was also a very successful footballer winning an All-Ireland club title with Portlaoise,  and a basketballer who played for Ireland.

A former PE teacher, this is Pat’s third book to publish. His first Hungry Hill was a look back at his own career, with a particular focus on why youngsters get involved and play sport. He received the Michael Darmody award in 2017 recognising his outstanding contribution to Physical Education in the country, and he also received the Lifetime Achievement award from Basketball Ireland - noting his 62 Regional Championship wins with his former school, Scoil Chriost Ri Portlaoise. 

The book will be available on the night, with throw in down for 7.30pm, and is currently on sale at AllBooks Portlaoise and you can go online at allbooks.ie