When the World Stops Watching

As every sportsperson knows, the dream can't go on forever. After years of dedication, sacrifice and single-minded obsession to get to the top, one day it all has to end.

When the World Stops Watching tells the real inside stories of what happened next for sixteen Irish sports stars, as they faced the brand-new challenges of normal life. From the highs of Grand Slam rugby, World Cup football, the Olympic Games, European Tour golf and GAA stardom, these born competitors recount the seismic aftershocks of retirement and the effect it had on them, both physically and mentally. The lives of sporting icons can change overnight. This is a searingly honest and compelling account of what life is really like after the game. Featuring Marcus Horan, Tommy Bowe, Paul Carberry, Niall Quinn, Sonia O'Sullivan, Paul McGee and more.



'One of the most honest and raw books about sport you are likely to read this year or any other' - Malachy Clerkin, Irish Times

'Citing an excerpt from Damien Lawlor's uniquely insightful book When the World Stops Watching, Ronan O'Gara also openly recognised some of the instinctively mixed feelings that come with being torn away from the sport that was once such a central part of his existence - and in that way O'Grady's no different.' - Ian O'Riordan, Irish Times

'Champagne Football rightly getting the plaudits as the stand-out sports book on the shelves, but this by @LawlorDamian is absolutely terrific too.' - Vincent hogan Irish Independent

'A terrific concept expertly executed' - Enda McEvoy, Sunday Times

'A captivating insight into the struggles faced when Irish sports stars retire' - Eddie O'Sullivan