Anthony Daly was the most successful captain in the history of Clare
hurling, leading the county to two All-Irelands and three Munster
titles. First appointed Clare captain at just 23, he retained the role
for eight seasons. Regarded as an absolutely inspirational figure by his
fellow players, the captaincy was a natural extension of his
personality. It was that innate leadership and character which prompted
the players, just three years after he finished playing with Clare, to
pursue Daly as manager. When he took over in the autumn of 2003, Daly
was just 34 and one of the youngest hurling inter-county managers ever
appointed. During his three years in charge, he took Clare to the cusp
of two All-Ireland finals, agonisingly losing the 2005 and 2006
All-Ireland semi-finals to the eventual winners, Cork and Kilkenny. It
was that kind of ambition and drive to succeed which attracted Dublin to
Daly. Since taking over the county in 2009, he has led Dublin to their
first National League title in 72 years and their first Leinster title
in 52 years. Dalo takes us from the early days growing up in
Clarecastle, in County Clare, Ireland, to the graveyard years of the
early part of his career with Clare, through the golden years and into
his position in management. Interlaced with drama, tragedy, his love of
other sports, and his immense wit, Anthony Daly's autobiography offers a
compelling insight into an absolutely unique personality in modern Irish
sport.
