“You know the expression ‘it’s nice to be important, it’s more important to be nice’? That’s Paul McGrath.”
He’s had plenty of ups and downs in his life, but few figures in Ireland command the same near-universal admiration amongst the population than the one and only Paul McGrath.
As well as his talent on the pitch, ‘The Black Pearl’ carries a charm and a vulnerability that has captured the hearts of the nation for the best part of the last 40 years and his appearance on The Ray D’Arcy Show sparked yet another outpouring of affection on Saturday night.
Hard as it might be to believe for viewers of a certain age, but McGrath appeared on the show to mark 20 years since his retirement, with three generations of the McGrath family turning up in studio to mark the occasion and his sons paying him a lovely tribute.
'He played with his heart and he gave his all', Paul McGrath's sons talk about why they think their father is so loved. #raydarcyshow pic.twitter.com/kCJg3S78NR
— The Ray D'Arcy Show (@RTERayDarcyShow) April 14, 2018
As well as McGrath telling the tales of the highs and lows of his remarkable career and his family life off the pitch, the likes of Eoin Hand and Ray Houghton chipped in with tales of their own, with Hand, who gave McGrath his first Ireland cap, recalling the extent of his talent and also his integrity on and off the pitch.
“He didn’t foul, he didn’t have to, he was too good,” Hand said.
Clip via RTÉ
McGrath certainly seemed to enjoy the occasion, as did the studio audience and those watching at home, who were keen to voice their admiration for the man on social media.
Legend.
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Something in my eye..😢 I love the love for one of my all time favourite sportsmen…Paul McGrath with his granddaughter, Talia, son Chris & family.. #raydarcyshow @Paulmcgrath5 pic.twitter.com/V15N7h1tge
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) April 14, 2018
Ooh aah Paul McGrath!
— Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) April 14, 2018
Paul McGrath is as impressive off the field as he was on it.
— Michael O'Regan (@Michael_O_Regan) April 14, 2018
The absolute legend that is Paul McGrath on the Ray D’Arcy show with his three sons
Beautiful #OohAhh pic.twitter.com/9T9PLeOC3Q— YBIG (@YouBoysInGreen) April 14, 2018
