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LET'S get the 'negative' column done before we tot up the 'positive' one. Firstly, that title is dreadful. It's instantly forgettable and seems to contradict some of the author's core beliefs – Mickey Harte spends large chunks of the book explaining the value of leaving no stone unturned, that he would suggest anything, let alone "Presence", to be the only thing seems odd and contrary. Secondly, on a few occasions you get the impression that the structure of the book may have been slightly thrown off by Tyrone's failure to reclaim Sam this season.
And that's it. When you finish a sports autobiography with just two minor quibbles, that's a testament in itself to the level of quality on show. Everything else here is an addition to the 'positive' column.
Given the literary traditions of the country, it's surprising that the GAA got through about 115 years of its existence and only managed to throw up a handful of quality books. The last decade or so has seen an explosion in GAA books and while some of them are cheap cash-ins that barely deserve shelf space – in some instances the books are so bad the guy whose name is on the cover couldn't even bring himself to read it all the way through – there have likewise been some true gems. Ghostwriter Michael Foley has priors in this regard, having written the 2007 Sports Book of the Year Kings of September, but while his quality shines through it crucially never overshadows Harte's voice.
While the behind-the-scenes stuff from Tyrone's various triumphs are interesting, the tales from before the glory days are equally compelling. Various signposts appear along the way explaining how Harte became the greatest manager of his generation, whether it's his nine-year-old self being fascinated by Xs and Os marked on a chalkboard in a dressing room or the astonishing story of the eight-year hiatus from football that brought about the existence of Errigal Ciarán, all the various strands go to giving us fascinating insight into a singular character.
Shame about the title though.
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Ihave not read Mickyey's book but I think the price is away over the top and I will not be buying it until it is in the charity shops or my relations loan me it. I am a Mickey Hart supporter and will agree with nearly everything he has to say but he should have made changes early on during the second half of the match against Cork.
But Mickey, you won 3 All Ireland titles and WHO AM I TO DISAGREE.
PATSY DEVINE