McRae lands knockout punch with boxing tale of hope during the violent Troubles

In Sunshine or In Shadow: How boxing brought hope in the Troubles by Donald McRae, published by Simon & Schuster, £20

Donald McRae’s renowned range as a sports and non-sports writer converge in this riveting exploration of the phenomenon that was the Holy Family Boxing Club’s sacrosanct status during the sectarian atrocities of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

It’s a paradox that is conveyed beautifully, as McRae immerses you in the interwoven narratives of four aspiring young boxers whose endeavours succeeded in unifying both sides of the divide in Belfast.