The book, published in October 2023 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of London
Irish rugby club, was announced as the winner of the Best Illustrated Book category
at the Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards 2024 in association with The Sunday
Times at a gala dinner held at The Oval in south London on 6th June.

Commenting on the award, author and lifelong supporter Paddy Lennon said, “I was
honoured to receive 'The Illustrated Sports Book of the Year' award not just for the
invaluable, independent recognition associated with the award but also for the
positive attention it brings to London Irish after a difficult year.

“While researching the book I received exceptional support from the club’s former
players, supporters and friends who provided lots of interesting memories and
memorabilia. Their backing was also essential in ensuring successful publication last
autumn.

“Vision Sports Publishing once again brought their proven expertise in sports book
publishing to deliver a visually outstanding book of which I'm very proud.”

The book is available from londonirishbook.com and its 352 pages are packed full of
memorabilia, photographs and painstakingly researched narrative recounting the
story of the amateur and professional clubs.

Vision Sports Publishing, based in Surrey and London have now won the Sports
Book Awards Best Illustrated Award seven times and secured 22 nominations within
the category and 29 across the awards overall.

The 2024 Illustrated Award was supported by the J P Marland Charitable Trust and
presented by former rugby player Maggie Alphonsi, who was capped 74 times by
England, and Lord Marland.

Congratulations to Paddy Lennon for your hard work & dedication in producing this amazing piece of club history.