‘Fight or Flight’ is a book about Limerick & Irish sporting hero Keith Earles.
Keith Earls grew up in one of the most socially disadvantaged housing estates in Ireland in Moyross. The community was blighted by crime and violence and he did not escape unscathed from the surrounding fear and trauma visited upon his beloved community. Despite the odds he became one of the biggest names in Irish rugby and enjoyed a hugely successful career.
The award-winning book ‘Fight or Flight’ was published in October 2021 and gives us a brilliant insight into Keith’s extraordinary determination to make it to the top, his incredible bravery and his massive work ethic.
Keith started out in senior rugby as a teenage star and during his long career, became one of the most admired and respected players of his generation. He retired from rugby after Ireland’s RWC 2023 exit against New Zealand. He won 101 caps for his country and played over 180 games in the famous red of Munster.
He started every match in the 2018 Six Nations Championship that culminated in an Irish Grand Slam victory. He’s also played for the British and Irish Lions.
I’m a big rugby fan and hugely admire Keith so I really enjoyed the book. There’s a specific moment in the book that shows that rugby isn’t everything to the Munster and Irish star when shortly after his daughter Ella-May was born, Keith had to rush to the hospital to be by her side and ended up missing a Six Nation’s match against Wales. He later explained that his little girl had been born with a rare heart condition. “As a father of a child with a serious respiratory lung condition and many others like her, I urge the public to please listen to the professionals,” he said. “I will do everything possible to protect her,’ he added.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves rugby and to anyone who wants to read a fantastic story about one of Ireland’s greatest players. And even though Keith came from a disadvantaged area, it just shows what you can achieve with hard work and the right attitude, regardless of what might be holding you back.
Star rating 4/5