Places We Play: Ireland's Sporting Heritage

From national stadia to local pitches, from exclusive golf courses to derelict lots of former sporting glory, this book explores the history of Ireland's sporting sites; the spaces where ordinary people have congregated and community identities have been formed; why sporting sites are located in particular places and how they have changed over time; and what kinds of men and women have gathered together in these venues to compete, spectate, or place a bet. Tracing the history of sport in modern Ireland, the authors explain the impact of railways, the military, landed wealth, local tradesmen, and national politics on the development of the built sporting landscape. From Grand Prix to lawn tennis, Places We Play delves into all aspects of Ireland's sporting venues. ""Local tradesmen, politicians, landed wealth, the military, and the clergy all helped shape the idea of a national sporting heritage and this evocative and handsomely illustrated book brings that heritage to life.""-Irish Voice