Gaelic Games

Dub Sub Confidential named Setanta Sports Book of the year

Autobiography by former Dublin substitute goalkeeper John Leonard bags inaugural prize

John Leonard (L) was the perennial back-up to Dublin goalkeeper John Leonard. Photograph: Inpho
John Leonard (L) was the perennial back-up to Dublin goalkeeper John Leonard. Photograph: Inpho
Thu Dec 03 2015 - 12:50

Former Dublin substitue goalkeeper John Leonard’s autobiography Dub Sub Confidential has been named the inaugural Setanta Sports Book of the year.

Leonard spent his inter-county career as the perennial understudy to Stephen Cluxton but lived a double life throughout his time with the Dubs - juggling training sessions and hours on the bench with the hedonism of Dublin nightlife in the early '00s.

The book tracks Leonard’s battles with addiction and his arrival at sobriety, a journey throughout which his love of Gaelic football remained a constant.

Leonard's account of his life on and off the pitch beat off competition from Jim McGuinness and his autobiography 'Until Victory Always', 'No Borders: Playing Rugby for Ireland' written by Tom English, 'Relentless: The Inside Story of the Cork Ladies Footballers' by Mary White and 'Sport and Ireland' written by Paul Rouse.

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Leonard picked up a cash prize of €1,500 and his book will also receive €10,000 worth of TV advertising on Setanta Sports.