Frankie Dolan tells his story in new book

The sporting career of former St Brigid's and Roscommon football star Frankie Dolan has been chronicled in an autobiography.

Written in conjunction with journalist Dan Dooner, a Dublin native based in Roscommon, the book is published by Hero Books and will be out in the coming weeks. The book - with the subtitle 'Outside of the Right' - is part of the 'Legends Series' being published by Hero Books.

A blurb for the book states: "At the turn of the millennium, there were few forwards in Gaelic football who possessed the wizardry of Roscommon’s Frankie Dolan. He had it all - and talent to burn, which some commentators felt Frankie did burn at times due to his infectious, brazen relationship with the game."

In a message posted on Facebook, Frankie said he was "overwhelmed" by the calls and messages he has received regarding his book.

"The last year has been crazy for us all and I suppose it (working on the book) was a good way of trying to pass all the free time," said Frankie, who was full of praise for Dan Dooner, who wrote the book.

"He was more like my shrink than anything else and I hope I haven't driven poor Dan crazy," said Frankie, adding that it was "very enjoyable reminiscing on my life growing up, school (or lack of it) family life and sport".

"I hope people enjoy it as it's not easy spilling the beans and delving deep into different things that have happened during my life especially for someone like myself who keeps most things to myself. But I must give Dan so much credit as he wasn't afraid to go deep into conversation and ask the hard questions that have never been asked or talked about, so thank you Dan and you have become a really good friend over the last year since we first met," Frankie said.

Frankie also said "a massive thank you" to former Meath football star Liam Hayes, founder of Hero Books, for giving him the opportunity to tell his story. Dolan described Hayes as "one of the great midfielders of his era" and a player he admired as a young lad.

"Never in a million years did I ever think after I left Athlone Community College would I have a book coming out, but I am so glad I have done it now and I hope young and old can enjoy it and hopefully take something from it which would make it all worthwhile," said Frankie.

Dolan paid tribute to his "beloved club" St Brigid's, with whom he achieved All-Ireland success, for giving him "the chance to play football and finally reach the summit".

"I owe the club so much and all the brilliant players I had the honour of sharing the dressing room with and the various managements during those years, thank you."

Frankie said he spent "two brilliant and enjoyable years" with Ballymahon and he thanked all involved. "Thank you for taking me under your wing," he said.

"Also to my county who I played with for a number of years and put my name on the national stage, all I can say is thank you so much for giving me the privilege to wear the county jersey. It was always an honour to represent my county and to the players I shared the dressing room with and managements who trusted in me, thank you so much."

Although the book obviously deals with Dolan's football career, it also delves into his life in general. "I hope there is a bit of everything in the book for you to enjoy; it's not just about football because if it was, I wouldn't read it myself!" Dolan said.

Frankie also thanked his wife Caroline and his family for all their support. "Finally I have to say a massive thank you to Caroline, Ryen and Jack for putting up with me over the last number of years because with the amount of time that goes into training, especially when I was a player and then into management, is crazy and without that brilliant support, none of this would be possible," he added.

Frankie won an All-Ireland senior club medal with St Brigid's in 2013, when he memorably kicked the winning point in the final victory over Ballymun Kickhams.

He won a Connacht SFC medal with Roscommon in 2001 but his career in primrose and blue was shorten than expected.

However, many fans will never forget his performances in Roscommon's All-Ireland qualifier victories over Offaly and Kildare in 2003. Dolan scored 12 points in the extra-time win over Offaly at Cusack Park and went one better by registering 0-13 in the subsequent victory over Kildare in Portlaoise (both wins coming after extra-time). The victory over Kildare saw the Rossies reach the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

In total, Dolan won ten Roscommon SFC medals with St Brigid's and four Connacht club medals with the Kiltoom club.

He also played a key role in Ballymahon winning the Longford SFC in 2002 when his uncle Dessie Dolan Snr was team manager. It remains Ballymahon's only Longford senior title.

Frankie's brothers Garvan and Darren have also enjoyed considerable success with St Brigid's. Frankie's father Frank Snr won Westmeath SFC medals with Athlone, and his first cousins Dessie, Gary and James Dolan have all starred for Garrycastle and Westmeath.

When his playing days ended, Frankie quickly turned to management and he has guided his club to Roscommon SFC success.

Last year, he managed Rosemount of Westmeath and he has taken charge of Doon in Offaly for the 2021 season.