Blowing the Whistle
A RUGBY adventure
Published on 6. October 2025
208 pages
978-1-78849-642-1 (ISBN)
Description
'Rugby? Here in Ballyknockshinny? Sure no one would take us seriously,' said Fiona.
A rugby club is her friend Kevin's idea to bring fun to their little town that summer. All the kids pitch in and it's not long before the Bally K Foxes are up and running with everyone catching the rugby bug. But there's a shadow looming over the town - from the abandoned factory.
What happened there? And why won't their parents talk about it?
The more everyone warns them to stay away, the more the friends want to solve the mystery ... even if it means risking the club they've worked so hard to set up.
A rugby club is her friend Kevin's idea to bring fun to their little town that summer. All the kids pitch in and it's not long before the Bally K Foxes are up and running with everyone catching the rugby bug. But there's a shadow looming over the town - from the abandoned factory.
What happened there? And why won't their parents talk about it?
The more everyone warns them to stay away, the more the friends want to solve the mystery ... even if it means risking the club they've worked so hard to set up.
Reviews / Votes
Sport shows us that we can all achieve greatness through cooperation and inclusion. This is the inspiring message of Siggins's latest book, which, apart from a focus on rugby, explores themes of friendship, teamwork and environmentalism. Importantly, this book reminds young readers that with a little grit and organisation anything is possible -- CBI's The Best Irish Books of 2025 A brilliant book about teamwork and getting something off the ground ... a good starting point for kids who might not now much about rugby-- Elaina Ryan, CBI on Ireland AM Sport shows us that we can all can achieve greatness through cooperation and inclusion. This is the inspiring message of Gerard Siggins's latest book ... an exciting and captivating introduction to the world of rugby and organised sport for those readers who are less inclined to get involved. It also serves as a good incentive for young rugby fans to develop an interest in reading and literature. Of course, this novel is not just about rugby but friendship, teamwork, and environmentalism
What will resonate most with the book's intended audience, though, is an overwhelming sense of adventure and empowerment. This work reminds children - and all of us - that with a little grit and organization, anything is possible. Think you're too young or inexperienced to do something great? Think again! -- Childrensbooksireland.ie
Recommended -- RTE Radio 1's Oliver Callan show A new sports adventure with a mystery at its core from this hugely popular Irish sportswriter ... Fun for any young rugby fan -- Irish Independent
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Dublin
Ireland
Target group
Children/juvenile
Reading Age: From 9 years, Interest Age: From 9 years
File size
1,10 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-78849-642-1 (9781788496421)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
10/2025
O'Brien Press Ltd
€11.50
Shipment within 3-4 weeks
Persons
Gerard Siggins was born in Dublin in 1962. Initially a sports journalist, he worked for many years in the Sunday Tribune, where he became assistant editor. He has written several books about cricket and rugby. His Rugby Spirit series has sold over 65,000 copies and is hugely popular with sports-loving children around the world. Gerard regularly visits schools to talk about his books.
