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06 Sept 2025

An ace read! Longford journalist is co-author of prestigious William Hill Sports Book of the Year

Lanesboro man Gavin Cooney co-wrote 'The Racket' with former Irish professional tennis player Conor Niland

An ace read! Longford journalist is co-author of prestigious William Hill Sports Book of the Year

Lanesboro man Gavin Cooney co-wrote 'The Racket' with former Irish professional tennis player Conor Niland

Reporter:

Joe O'Brien

26 Nov 2024 11:00 AM

Email:

Lanesboro correspondent

Last week we heard the fabulous news that has brought wonderful acclaim to Lanesboro man Gavin Cooney, son of Albert and Carolyn Cooney, Lehery.
Gavin co-wrote a sports book which won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award last week in London. 
This is the most prestigious award in the world of sport; the last winner from the Republic of Ireland was Paul Kimmage back in 1990.
The book entitled “The Racket” is in collaboration with former Irish professional tennis player Conor Niland.
The book has also been shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards in 2 categories.
Gavin is a sports journalist with “The 42”, hosts a weekly podcast called “The 42FM "and regular guest on the Virgin 1 “Morning AM " programme as well as various radio programmes.
The 42 is the sports news source for today's Irish sports fan. 
His co–writer Conor Niland was an Irish professional tennis player on the circuit and the book is an underdog story that lifts the lid on the perils of match-fixing and doping in tennis, while also sharing light-hearted tales of Niland’s seven years on the road.
Gavin’s star continues to rise to incredible heights and are very proud of this latest elevation into the top echelons of sports writing.

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