Syls goalkeeping legend John Leonard wins Sports Book of the Year

Former Dublin substitue goalkeeper John Leonard’s autobiography Dub Sub Confidential has been named the inaugural Setanta Sports Book of the year.

Leonard spent his inter-county career as the perennial understudy to Stephen Cluxton but lived a double life throughout his time with the Dubs - juggling training sessions and hours on the bench with the hedonism of Dublin nightlife in the early ’00s.

The book tracks Leonard’s battles with addiction and his arrival at sobriety, a journey throughout which his love of Gaelic football remained a constant.

Second Captains

Leonard’s account of his life on and off the pitch beat off competition from Jim McGuinness and his autobiography ‘Until Victory Always’, ‘No Borders: Playing Rugby for Ireland’ written by Tom English, ‘Relentless: The Inside Story of the Cork Ladies Footballers’ by Mary White and ‘Sport and Ireland’ written by Paul Rouse.

Leonard picked up a cash prize of €1,500 and his book will also receive €10,000 worth of TV advertising on Setanta Sports.