[Gift Details] Reading aloud to children helps them to thrive as it has clear cognitive benefits. It also strengthens children’s social, emotional, and character development and is linked to decreased levels of aggression, hyperactivity, and attention difficulties This book is written by Thomas Gleeson, illustrated by his Grandfather Seán McDermott and printed in Ireland. It captures the dreams, excitement and banter of an All-Ireland Hurling Final Day. The personalised story allows the child to play and win for their county! It includes the child's name, town land, favourite player, friends and family making the story very real and memorable to the recipient Brainchild of Ennis man Thomas Gleeson, this book is part of a new series of books known as "Stories About You". This hard back gloss book is A5 in size and printed to order Sample of story: Pg.1 Liam Casey The Hurling Legend Happy 9th Birthday Liam Everyone has a Dream!!   Pg.2 Liam Casey, age 9, from Ennis in Co. Clare was a fine hurler for his local club. It was the first Sunday of September and the “Dream was Still Alive.” Clare were playing Kilkenny in the All Ireland Final. The ham sandwiches were wrapped in tin foil, every jersey in the county was washed and laundered and County flags and bunting were everywhere.  Pg.3 At 8.30 am while eating breakfast the phone rang. It was the Clare manager asking Liam to join the squad for the All Ireland Final. The hairs began to stand  on the back of his neck. He thanked the Lord for all the Sundays he was dragged out to Mass and straight to training. This was it! Liam was to be the youngest player to be called up in an All Ireland Final. Yippee! Pg. 4 As the team bus pulled up to collect Liam, he felt so proud and excited. Although he wasn’t to be starting, this prodigy from Ennis, was being talked about everywhere and he was tipped to become the next Hurling Legend. The local radio was playing requests for the Team all the way to Croker. Liam had “Good Luck” wishes from the family, neighbours and friends. Every young boy in ireland was in awe of Liam Pg. 5 It was 1.00pm. Liam had just arrived at Croke Park and the atmosphere was electric. Shouts of “Hats, Scarfs and Headbands” echoed loudly throughout Jones’ Road. Before he had time to be nervous he got jersey No. 17, ran out near Tony Kelly and drove the ball over the net. He did a few oher practice pucks at the goal and the crowd cheered. From the corner of his he could see his friend Tim in the Hogan Stand. Pg. 6 The sun was shining and Croker was at capacity. The ball was thrown in and Liam watched on from the dugout. It was going to be Clare’s Day. They were going to beat Kilkenny. The Clare Goalie pucked out the ball to the midfielder however this turned out to be a “Hospital Pass” and Kilkenny pucked the first between the posts. A goal for Kilkenny. Tony Kelly bagged the next two points without reply! The teams continued to trade scores. Pg.7  The half time whistle sounded. Clare were not playing well. Liam followed the team into the dressing room. They thought they had lost the dream. In storms the Manager roaring “Right lads, settle down, drop them hurls and listen up let ye” He explained to Liam and the team the pride and joy that goes into wearing the county colours Pg. 8 Tony Kelly, got a belt across the shins. The miraculous squirt of “GAA Water” was not working this time. The manager thought long and hard about the replacement and turned to Liam and gave him “The Nod.” Off came the Clare Jacket and on went the helmet. Liam was playing the second half of the All Ireland Hurling Final, it was a shock, there was no time to be nervous  Pg. 9 Laois were down by 2 points, however they had the wind at their backs. Liam remembers the advice his father had given him that morning “Tis summer that ground is rock hard, keep the ball on the ground and let fly on every ball.” The 9 year old from Ennis knew what he had to do! The stage was set for Liam. Pg. 10 From the puck out, the sliotar was caught brilliantly by the centre back who sent a long ball along the ground. Liam ran onto it and pulled on it as hard as he could, the ball flew. The keeper threw himself at the speeding ball but couldn’t stop the sliotar as it went into the bottom corner. A great goal from Liam! Wow! Out of the corner of his eye he saw RTE cameras and knew all his friends and family would be watching the goal.  Pg. 11 What a way to win an All Ireland Final! Guess who won Man of the Match? Yes that’s right the one and only Liam Casey. Everyone was chanting Liam, Liam, Liam. Liam opened his eyes. His mother was calling him from the kitchen to get up for school. It was all a dream! If we follow our Dreams they often come through!! Pg.12 Liam Casey Enjoy this Special Book Love Auntie Orla xxx  [/Gift Details] [Finishing Touches] Your gift will arrive beautifully wrapped in soft tissue We present your gift in a WowWee gift bag hand-tied with a satin ribbon A WowWee gift card can be included with your personal message The recipient is sure to feel special with a gift to remember Add a Box of Chocolates to make this gift extra special We never include any paperwork (invoices/packing slips etc.) with your gift   [/Finishing Touches] [Delivery] Delivered to you or the recipient in 1-2 working days within Ireland Delivery charge within Ireland is €4.99 on your entire order when spending under €70 Enjoy Free Delivery on all orders over €70 throughout Ireland Delivery to the UK is €10.50 Delivery to Europe is €15.50 Delivery to the Rest of the World is €20.00 The Delivery time for international orders can vary depending on the destination [/Delivery]