THE ingredients for a great memoir include an honest subject and a top class writer, passionate and knowledgeable about that subject. The combination of Niall Patterson and Seamus Maloney delivers that in spades for 'Field of Brothers', the tale of the former's life and career.
The story of the Loughgiel and Antrim goalkeeping legend reads brilliantly because it's written brilliantly, conveying the true voice of the big man himself. Maloney may be from Larne, with a father from Donegal, neither of them hurling hotspots, but his love of the caman code is evident on every page. The research is worn lightly, providing colour without ever getting in the way of Patterson's anecdotes and insights.
The book will be launched tomorrow night (Thursday May 26) in a celebration of Antrim hurling at the Loughgiel Community Association from 7.30pm, with everyone welcome. For more information, search "Niall Patterson" at www.eventbrite.ie.
The Saffrons in the Joe McDonagh Cup Final, aiming to return to the top tier of hurling next year, having retained their place in Division One, there is plenty to look forward to for Anrteim hurling.
The story of Niall Patterson and the men in front of him who brought Antrim to the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final in 1989 is very much worth looking back on too.
'Niall Patterson: Field of Brothers (with Seamus Maloney)' is published by Hero Books and is available in all good bookshops and probably even some bad ones, if there is such a thing; it can also be bought online (print or ebook) on Amazon, Apple and all quality digital stores.