Tommy Tiernan viewers praise ‘class act’ Shay Given for opening up on family heartbreak

"I get emotional when I talk about her."

The Donegal man chatted about his new role in punditry since retiring from the game, as well as recalling his incredible career between the sticks.

One particular story from his long-running career that had Tommy in disbelief was an incident where he punctured his bowel during a match, forcing him out of action for three months.

Given then pivoted from his playing career to more personal matters, including the loss of his mother and brother.

Tommy Tiernan viewers praise 'class act' Shay Given for opening up on family heartbreak

The 47-year-old opened up about tragically losing his mother when he was just five years of age.

"I get emotional when I talk about her," he said. "You know nowadays when someone passes, you get help and stuff, you get counselling.

"We didn't have that at the time," he continued, explaining that his father had a 'get on with it' attitude - "you know, the typical Irish thing, just 'move on'.

Given, whose long career saw him play long stints at giant Premier League clubs like Newcastle, Manchester City and Aston Villa, said he used his mother's death as motivation.

"I used it as a strength. I really did, when I played and when I trained, trying to make her proud. I know it’s not a positive losing your mum so young, but I tried to use it as a positive, if that makes sense.

"There's that big person in your life as a four-year-old. My youngest is six now and I think if her mum passed away, I think I’d be like 'wow, how would she cope? She couldn't cope'."

He added: "I would love to have remembered more happier times and more memories. My real memories of my mum was visiting her in hospital."

A huge thanks to @Tommedian and @RTEOne for having me on the show, a lot of laughs and nearly a few tears too along the way , if you missed it you can catch it on the rte iPlayer https://t.co/NKf0y6yRe5 🎙️📺 pic.twitter.com/HAhOLPlwFM

— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) April 6, 2024

The pundit also opened up about his brother Kieran passing away just last Christmas at the age of 52, after a battle with cancer.

"He was sick for a year or so, and then he passed away on the 23rd of December and my uncle passed away on the 25th. Life is tough at times."

Shay described Kieran's final trip home to Donegal while he was undergoing last-ditch treatment in the UK, saying: "No one said it but we all knew it was his last trip home.

"For my dad who is going to be 80 this year, it was a tough one on him. He just felt like he was reliving losing my mum."

He continued: "A child shouldn't [pass away] before his parent. I know you read all the sayings and clichés and they are easier read but they say live each day like it's your last.

"I know you can't go around going mental you have to have a plan in life but at the same time be grateful for what you have and look forward to tomorrow."

Viewers were quick to praise the Lifford man, with one saying: "What a great interview. Obviously I knew who Shay was but I feel like I got a real glimpse into who he is as a person. Decent skin as they say."

Another added: "Level headed man, humble & genuine. Class act."

A third commented: "Shay Given is so proud to be from Donegal and Donegal people are so proud of him."

Artist Bernard Canavan and comedian Deirdre O'Kane also appeared on Saturday's episode.

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