’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through Croke Park
It was quiet and peaceful; the great pitch was dark ...

But not for long!

As the clock strikes midnight, there's a magical surprise: Santa, his elves and reindeer arrive for a night of mischief, mayhem and football.

A beautiful GAA and Christmas themed story

a lot of fun. A reworking of the most famous Christmas poem of them all, it's set in Croke Park and illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald

This GAA-themed retelling of the Christmas classic Twas the Night Before Christmas is an ideal gift for sports-mad kids

This festive twist on the classic Christmas tale and famous Clement C. Moore poem is a fantastic pick for young readers with a love of sport

This fun take on the classic Night Before Christmas bounds along with energy and humour and is sure to bring smiles to the faces of football fans young and old. We’ve loved the bouncy rhythm and silly antics in this story, as well as the humorous illustrations!

Julianne McKeigue's whimsical retelling of the classic Christmas Eve tale invites readers into a magical world where the familiar meets the unexpected, all told in the same charming style and rhythm as The Night Before Christmas. As the story unfolds on a quiet night in Croke Park, the anticipation builds with each turn of the page …Brian Fitzgerald's illustrations are vibrant and lively, capturing the spirit of Christmas and the excitement of a football match. The expressive characters and dynamic scenes leap off the page, drawing readers into the festive atmosphere. This charming book is perfect for families to enjoy together during the holiday season. Its playful twist on the traditional Christmas story, combined with stunning artwork, makes it a wonderful addition to any child's library. ’Twas the Match Before Christmas is sure to spark joy and laughter, creating lasting memories as children dream of their own magical Christmas adventures

McKeigue's retelling of a much-loved Christmas classic fused with a well-known landmark in Irish sport is a winning formula 

this book is sure to be a hit with young sports fans who no doubt will be looking for hoof-prints in the goalmouth the next time they visit Páirc an Chrócaigh

A retelling of the classic Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore with a GAA twist and lively, child-friendly illustrations

a winner … festive flight of fancy

a Christmas cracker … and the best GAA book out there for kids age 0-4

will enrapture the under eights … sumptuously illustrated

JULIANNE McKEIGUE hails from Tullamore in County Offaly and is a staunch GAA fan, with a particular love of hurling. She works as the events, education and retail manager at the GAA Museum in Croke Park. Julianne studied journalism at DCU and worked in sports PR, starting her career in the offices of the late, great Bill O’Herlihy. Julianne lives in Drumcondra with her two children, Leo and Juliet, her husband James and Billy the dog. BRIAN FITZGERALD feels most at home illustrating children’s picture books, encouraged by winning the International Silent Book Competition in Bologna. He is the illustrator of You Can Do It, Rosie! and Wonders of the Wild. He lives and works in Dún Laoghaire.