Superb.
Tommy Tiernan’s chatshow returned for a new season and just like the previous ones, the format stayed exactly the same.
The comedian would interview a guest but before the cameras start filming, Tiernan has absolutely no idea who he’ll be chatting to.
Well, in terms of an opening guest to talk with, they don’t get any more beloved than Paul McGrath because it’s arguable that he’s still one of – if not THE – most admired and revered athlete that has ever represented Ireland.
In terms of the ‘golden generation’ during Jack Charlton’s tenure as Ireland manager, McGrath played a seismic role as he appeared at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, as well as UEFA Euro 1988.
If one match summed up McGrath’s talent and skill, it was Italy in Giants Stadium.
His performance – while carrying a serious shoulder injury – is still one of the most inspirational, heroic, and awe-inspiring feats that you’ll ever see on a football pitch. As a player, McGrath was a colossus that had every single attribute that a world class defender needs.
Aside from winning the FA Cup and League Cup with Manchester United and Aston Villa respectively, McGrath also won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year for 1992–93, the FAI Senior International Player of the Year twice, and he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.
Simply put, it’s arguable that the former St. Patrick’s Athletic man is the greatest player that this country has ever produced.
Since retiring, McGrath’s wonderful autobiography, Back From the Brink, chronicled his incredibly interesting life as the highs on the field were met with some lows away from it.
During the chat with Tiernan, McGrath was an open book as he talked about his shy personality and how it caused him to abuse alcohol at times. Aside from this, he chatted about the friendly relationship that he still has with his ex-wives and how he continues to do everything that’s humanly possible to help his children.
However, to his immense credit, the beloved defender also talked about the dark moments like drinking alone in the house and how he’ll never fully shake his dependency on alcohol. As a player, McGrath was always incredibly courageous and brave. For a notoriously shy person to chat about something like that on TV, it could be an even braver feat.
It’s to Tiernan’s immense credit as an interviewer that McGrath felt comfortable enough to share some of the details of his private life.
Aside from this, there were anecdotes about how Alex Ferguson scolded the Irish defender when he asked the Manchester United boss for a pay rise and in insight into the drinking culture that existed at Old Trafford.
At the very end of the interview, McGrath said that he felt thankful for the Irish people because they always embraced him.
At this moment, Tiernan instantly flipped this sentiment on its head by rightfully saying that the Irish people owe McGrath a massive debt of gratitude for his excellent service in the green jersey.
Paul McGrath owes the people of Ireland nothing.
He’s a legend and he’ll always be one of us.
If you want to see the whole interview, it’s available on the RTÉ Player.
Here’s a taste of what’s in store along with a small insight into how loved McGrath still is by the Irish public.
"I'm kind of a shy human being" @Paulmcgrath5 our first guest on The @Tommedian Show #TommyTiernan pic.twitter.com/7aj8EqOIIk
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) May 4, 2019
There’s only one Paul McGrath.
Jesus lads. Paul McGrath is being unbelievably honest on #TommyTiernan – you couldn’t but admire and love him. What a player. And now just doing his best. Doing his best to not hurt any more people in his own words. You’d wish him health and happiness. In spades.
— Marcus Ó Buachalla (@ohfadabee) May 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/scrahallia/status/1124797370531811329
How good was #tommytiernan with @Paulmcgrath5 was there a better footballer from Ireland than ooh ah paul McGrath, up there with the best from the premier league
— eamonn gallagher (@GallyEamonn) May 4, 2019
Very moving and honest chat by @Paulmcgrath5 with @Tommedian👏 Ooh Aah Paul Mcgrath💪 #tommytiernan
— Alan Power (@alanfoxpower) May 4, 2019
Thank you @Paulmcgrath5 for the most sincere and engaging interview with @Tommedian
An amazing human being; humble, honest and gracious.
I truly hope you realise how much of a National Treasure you are and will always be! 🇮🇪☘#PaulMcGrath
— Kieran O'Reilly (@_OMERTA_) May 4, 2019
Ah stop the lights, Paul McGrath and @Tommedian is the loveliest piece of telly I’ve seen in ages. Really struck by Paul’s gentle presence. #TommyTiernan
— Molly O'Dwyer (@Molly_odwyer) May 4, 2019
Brilliant interview with Paul McGrath on #TommyTiernan show. Honest, insightful and done with great respect for Paul and how he handles life and all it throws at him.
— Danny Forde (@DannyForde1) May 4, 2019
Paul McGrath 🙌🏻 what an honest interview. #legend #TommyTiernan
— Mary Mc Quinn (@marymcquinn) May 4, 2019
Paul McGrath’s interview was absolutely fantastic, an interviewer who asks hard questions but in a humane way to see what makes a human human. He leaves the guests speak for themselves and doesn’t just have guest on to plug whatever the fuck their publicist makes them plug
— gman (@yurtcobain) May 4, 2019
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