Publishers Penguin Ireland confirmed today that Kimmage has resigned from the project and will be replaced as ghost writer by Alan English.
The partnership between O’Driscoll, one of the finest sportsmen Ireland has ever produced, and Kimmage, one of the finest sports journalists around and author of a series of acclaimed titles, was one that sports fans had been eagerly looking forward to when it was announced that they would work together early in 2012.
The pair have been collaborating on the book since then, but Penguin released a statement today confirming that Kimmage has stepped down from the project, with Alan English set to step-in as ghost writer in Kimmage’s place.
English is the current editor of the Limerick Leader and has penned a number of rugby books, including ‘Stand Up and Fight: When Munster Beat the All Blacks’ in the past.
The statement released by Penguin this afternoon read: “Penguin Ireland announces that Alan English will ghost-write Brian O’Driscoll’s autobiography for publication in Autumn 2014.
“Penguin Ireland regretfully accepts the resignation of Paul Kimmage as ghost-writer on this project.”
Commenting on his impending partnership with O’Driscoll, Alan English said: “I am delighted to work with Brian on his autobiography. It is a privilege to work with such a talented, professional Irish sportsman.”
Brian O’Driscoll, meanwhile, added: “I have enjoyed working with Paul over the last few years and it is unfortunate that we cannot complete this project together. However, I look forward to working with Alan.”
Michael McLoughlin, Managing Director, Penguin Ireland said: “I would like to thank Paul Kimmage for the hard work he has put into this project. We are delighted that Alan English has stepped in to write what is the most eagerly awaited sports autobiography for many years. Alan is somebody we have worked with closely on two previous books and we are sure he will do Brian’s story justice.”
