Book excerpt: Rathmines is one of the oldest and most vibrant parts of Dublin. In this compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts you will find out about Rathmines' past, its proud sporting heritage, its arts and culture, and its famous (and occasionally infamous) men and women. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of this much-loved area.