Pitch-perfect presents for under the tree this Christmas

Gifts guaranteed to win over sports fans

Subbuteo: the greatest football game ever invented. Photograph: Michael Gottschalk/AFP/Getty
Subbuteo: the greatest football game ever invented. Photograph: Michael Gottschalk/AFP/Getty

‘Boy Wonder’, by Dave Hannigan

If you grew up a sports-mad child in 1970s and 1980s Ireland, then this book will bring a nostalgic tear to your eye. If you grew up in any other decade, it will still warm your heart with tales of heads and volleys, Wimbledon on the street, Jimmy Hill on Match of the Day and much more (€15-€20, all good bookshops).

Retro Subbuteo

Long before video games, it was green felt pitches, far too easily breakable plastic players, a big table (or the floor) and hours of enjoyment with the greatest football game ever invented. From the 1960s' heavyweight sets to the more modern lightweight players with floodlights and grandstands in between, this website has it all (full set from €50, subbuteo-emporium.co.uk).

County season tickets

Follow your county in football or hurling throughout the league campaign and guarantee yourself All-Ireland Championship tickets. A season pass entitles you to every Allianz League match, the opening match of the championship and tickets for subsequent rounds after that, although you will be charged for each round (adults €99, juveniles €20, gaa.ie/tickets).

GAA county season tickets (adults €99, juveniles €20, Gaa.ie/tickets).
GAA county season tickets (adults €99, juveniles €20, Gaa.ie/tickets).

‘Football newspaper book’

With 50 teams to choose from, this is the perfect gift for football fans to reminisce on the past triumphs of their team through the medium of historic newspaper pages. What's more, it can be personalised with the receiver's name embossed on the front (€49.99-€69.99, littlewoodsireland.ie).

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GAA jewellery

Whether it's for him or her, cufflinks, bracelets, necklaces or anything in between, you can represent your county in bling-form with this solid silver jewellery. (from €10, gaajewellery.com).

My Golf Deals

This website offers reduced green fees at some of the best courses around Ireland as well as packages with overnight stays, dinner included and more. A current offer is one-night bed and breakfast, prosecco and a round of golf at Druids Glen in Wicklow for €159 (from €30, mygolfdeals.ie).

My Golf Deals offers reduced green fees at courses around Ireland (from €30, mygolfdeals.ie).
My Golf Deals offers reduced green fees at courses around Ireland (from €30, mygolfdeals.ie).

Custom fit runners

Running is becoming more popular by the day and, if you're serious about it, then you're going to need a good pair of runners to offer the best support. RunHub is one of the many places that offers custom fitting to find the best shoe for you (from €100, therunhub.ie).

Custom fit runners (from €100, therunhub.ie).
Custom fit runners (from €100, therunhub.ie).

My Golf Pro

In existence for over a year, My Golf Pro offers vouchers to be purchased and then redeemed to any of its registered golf coaches around the country for singles lessons or a series of lessons (from €50, mygolfpro.ie).

My Golf Pro vouchers (from €50, mygolfpro.ie).
My Golf Pro vouchers (from €50, mygolfpro.ie).

GAA county pyjamas

Now you can support your county, even while you're asleep. With all 32 counties to choose from in adults and children's sizes, you'll never go a minute without representing (€20, oneills.com).