‘‘Twas the Match Before Christmas’ is a lovely read, with the classic Christmas poem updated to bring in a uniquely Irish perspective. The story is set on Christmas Eve, in Croke Park, with a lone security guard as witness to a magical game of Gaelic football. There is chaos on the pitch as Santa and his reindeers take on a team of elves.
I read this book with my two children, aged 9 and 5. My son loves to hear about Croke Park, and was delighted with the story.
The illustrations are fun and Croke Park is instantly recognisable in the background on every page.
My children loved the “mayhem” when the match started, especially the picture of the reindeer and elves playing with no heed to the rules.
GAA fans, and anyone with a fondness for Croke Park, will really enjoy this book, and how it brings the sport into a Christmas tale.
By Anna Lally
“’Twas the Match Before Christmas” by Julianne Mc Keigue and illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald, published by O’ Brien Press, is on sale now for €12.99 (H/B).
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher, O’ Brien Press, free of charge to Seomra Ranga for the purposes of this review.
