Unfinished Business

[goswannies]

Just wondering if anyone went to either of Tadhg's book signings in Melbourne or Sydney and if there was a decent turn out? And what he had to say. Any thoughts on the content of his book (if anyone's read it)?

[robbieando]

Certainly a far better effort than Paul Kelly dire effort and a far more interesting read and gave more insight to how he settled in and 2006 as a year. He also leaves no doubt that he brought into the "Bloods" code in a big way. But it really lacks really going into his departure at the start of the year and the GAA season.

But I suppose that can always be improved upon in an updated version....

[liz]

But it really lacks really going into his departure at the start of the year and the GAA season.

But I suppose that can always be improved upon in an updated version....

Well it is unfinished...

[giant]

Just wondering if anyone went to either of Tadhg's book signings in Melbourne or Sydney and if there was a decent turn out? And what he had to say. Any thoughts on the content of his book (if anyone's read it)?

I went along at Bondi Junction - a crowd to start with (say 20-30?) but soon petered out. Tadhg was visibly elated to be here and very happy to talk to my girls and have a snap taken with them. Ted, Jesse W and a third chap I didn't recognise (I'm just guessing he was a Swan as he was hanging with the other blokes - tall, blond, very young) were there in support and happy to have a chat with the girls as well.

About half way thru it (SPOILER ALERT!! We win the premiership!) and while it's not "Grapes of Wrath" it's a pretty good read - a remarkable story and it seems Tadhg thinks so too! Added dimension of extra commentary from the likes of Roos, George Stone and others. Certainly not sanitised so you get a better feel that these are typical 20 something fellas who like a good time!

[AnnieH]

I went along at Bondi Junction - a crowd to start with (say 20-30?) but soon petered out. Tadhg was visibly elated to be here and very happy to talk to my girls and have a snap taken with them. Ted, Jesse W and a third chap I didn't recognise (I'm just guessing he was a Swan as he was hanging with the other blokes - tall, blond, very young) were there in support and happy to have a chat with the girls as well.

About half way thru it (SPOILER ALERT!! We win the premiership!) and while it's not "Grapes of Wrath" it's a pretty good read - a remarkable story and it seems Tadhg thinks so too! Added dimension of extra commentary from the likes of Roos, George Stone and others. Certainly not sanitised so you get a better feel that these are typical 20 something fellas who like a good time!

Damn Giant.
Did you have to spoil the middle like that???
;)

[polkagris]

I went to the Melbourne signing at Chadstone and the book sold out 20 minutes before it all began. I had to wait about 45 minutes to get my copy signed. Some girl was complaining that her copy had a tiny scratch on it and someone else grabbed it instead, she ended up not getting a copy at all. Should teach her for being too picky..

Real nice guy Tadhg, we had a good chat. I got my copy of the book the week before and has already read it by that time and it was great to actually get an opportunity to ask him a few questions after reading it. He also said there is a real buzz around the club and all the players are really excited about next year, much more so than other recent pre-seasons. This was of course before the draft as well, I imagine there is even more excitement now. The mindset of the playing group is very important, so I take this as a very positive sign.

[Captain]

I'm about 3/4 of the way through and must admit I'm pretty disappointed. He seems to come across as quite arrogant and up himself. No idea if he is really like this or it's just poor writing.

His comments about sitting under a table to escape the fans were bizare. Whilst I can understand he wanted some quite time, the way it was written and the fact he was almost boasting about it didn't sit right with me.

[goswannies]

I'm about 3/4 of the way through and must admit I'm pretty disappointed. He seems to come across as quite arrogant and up himself. No idea if he is really like this or it's just poor writing.
His comments about sitting under a table to escape the fans were bizare. Whilst I can understand he wanted some quite time, the way it was written and the fact he was almost boasting about it didn't sit right with me.

I finished it this morning. I can see your point of view but I still enjoyed it. The times that I've met him, he seems really, really nice. His writing (or Scott Gullan's perhaps) reads pretty much like Tadhg might say it... so if you add a cheeky grin to it, I'm fine with it. I think the dacking incident might reflect pretty much his approach. Didn't mean anything by it, but regrets it later. Kinda like the whole "gunna take someone out in the All Ireland Final" bit, in conversation it'd probably be an off the cuff aside, but in writing it comes across badly (for Kerry, coz it probably helped us get him back).
All in all, another nice addition to my Swans book collection.

[Matt79]

Got the book for Christmas and finished it in 3 days. Enjoyed it and Tadgh's refreshing honesty in the book.

Interesting to read how the Bloods ethos came into being and how he felt in 2008 that some players were stepping away from it and thus reflected in some of the results.

[ScottH]

I'm about 3/4 of the way through and must admit I'm pretty disappointed. He seems to come across as quite arrogant and up himself. No idea if he is really like this or it's just poor writing.

His comments about sitting under a table to escape the fans were bizare. Whilst I can understand he wanted some quite time, the way it was written and the fact he was almost boasting about it didn't sit right with me.

I got that in the first chapter.

Only got about 3 chapters in so far.

[goswannies]

Got the book for Christmas and finished it in 3 days. Enjoyed it and Tadhg's refreshing honesty in the book.
Interesting to read how the Bloods ethos came into being and how he felt in 2008 that some players were stepping away from it and thus reflected in some of the results.

I'm sure his ethics wouldn't allow it but it begs the question as to which players he felt weren't playing with the Bloods spirit.

I thought there was one glaring omission in the Acknowledgements at the end of the book. I won't say who, for those of you who are yet to reach the end yet.

[Northern_Swan]

Does anyone know if there is any difference (other than the cover of course) between the version available in Australia (http://www.borders.com.au/book/tadhg-kennelly-autobiography/7021895/) and the UK/IE (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tadhg-Kennelly-Autobiography/dp/1856356396/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262625710&sr=8-1)??? :confused:

I don't want to have to pay the postage to get it over here if it's the same

[sidswan]

Have just finished it...quite enjoyable, but agree wholeheartedly that although he comes across as very arrogant, he doesn't seem at all arrogant in the flesh!

[BigD]

A) I didn't even realise the book was out.:mad:
B) I had no idea the signings were happening or Iwould have been there.:mad: :mad:

[goswannies]

A) I didn't even realise the book was out.:mad:
B) I had no idea the signings were happening or Iwould have been there.:mad: :mad:

You can always just buy the book (though I'm not sure if it's printed in Australia, so you may have to buy it on-line) and have Tadhg sign it at a game. He's always been nice about signing in the past... and if it's dedicated to you he'll know it wont end up on eBay.

Or else there 3 copies available for the next 3 and a half days on Ireland's eBay (un-signed) for less than Au$35 (incl postage) which is less than I paid to get my copy (albeit signed)....
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Tadhg-Kennelly-Unfinished-Business-Kerry-GAA-Sydney_W0QQitemZ140360162141QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_ Nonfiction_Book?hash=item20ae1e1b5d

The publsihers are selling it (and have dropped their price)....
http://www.mercierpress.ie/cartage.html?main_page=product_book_info&products_id=478&zenid=mvfql6kej336biujlht23v1s63&cartage_alias=cartage

or order it in (the above link has the ISBN & publisher)

Or try... http://www.gettextbooks.ca/isbn/9781856356398

The above two have the Irish (Kerry) cover though)

or, finally...

Try Melbourne Sports Books http://www.melbournesportsbooks.com.au/ as they often get these type of books in (but I don't think they have any at the moment)

[ugg]

I saw it at Myer yesterday. I may or may not have accidentally read the first 8 or so chapters. :o

[BigD]

Thanks guys. I bought it @ Dymocks the other day and have already started reading it.