Award Sports Book of the YearThe inaugural Boylesports Irish sports book of the year was awarded yesterday to Sunday Times journalist Denis Walsh. His Hurling: The Revolution Years examines the era in which Offaly, Clare and Wexford shared five All-Ireland titles between 1994 and 1998.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to win this award," said Walsh. "I'm hugely grateful to Penguin Ireland for giving me the opportunity to write this book, and hugely indebted to the 35 or so former players and managers who agreed to be interviewed. Their stories and reflections are the engine of this book and without their co-operation it simply wouldn't have been possible.

"Thanks also to Boylesports for introducing this award, which I'm sure will go from strength to strength over the years to come."

Three books were shortlisted for the award, and the runners-up also had a GAA theme: Tangled Up In Blue, the Dessie Farrell autobiography with Seán Potts, and Last Man Standing, by Christy O'Connor.

The award has been introduced to recognise and celebrate the high standard of writing that exits in Irish sports journalism.

"Boylesports are delighted to have introduced Ireland's first ever sports book of the year award," said John Boyle, the firm's managing director. "The award was introduced to recognise the high standard of sports writing that exists in this country. Denis Walsh exemplifies that standard and we applaud him for setting the standard for future winners of the sports book of the year to follow."