Ooh-ah Paul McGrath!
This week I’ve decided to dig into the RTE vaults and uncover some gold from a very special Late Late Show that was dedicated to the iconic Paul McGrath.
I’ve already written at length as to why he’s one of my favourite athletes but here are a few reasons why the Late Late Show’s tribute to one of Ireland’s most beloved footballers was superb.
1) Jimmy Magee’s story
“Jack always thought enough of Paul McGrath to always want him in the side, even if he was nowhere near 100% fit. McGrath’s ability and contribution to the Irish team was of such a caliber that he was almost worth another man”.
2) Jack Charlton’s anecdote
“I only had him for ten years..and I still don’t understand him!”
3) Jack’s team-talk to McGrath
“When you go out on the field, look at the guy that you’re going to play against and don’t shout or doing anything else at him. Just smile at him because Paul has that smile that sort of says…Yeah it’s ok!”.
4) The surprise factor
McGrath didn’t know that the entire show was being dedicated to him. He thought that he was just popping in for a quick five minute chat about his testimonial. The look of surprise on his face is superb.
5) Jack on why Paul McGrath was given such special care
“He got away with murder because when you have the ability that Paul has then we all have to look after him. You could play Paul anywhere and he would give you a performance”.
6) The goosebump moment
The standing ovation at 12:20 and that smile on his face. Wonderful.
7) Roy Keane in the crowd
Take a look at a very happy Roy Keane in the studio audience. There are lots of other familiar faces also.
8) This answer
Gay Byrne: “What do you think you’re going to do after you stop playing?”.
McGrath: Panic I suppose!
9) The Gary Kelly story as told by Caroline McGrath
“Paul telephoned me and said ‘I’m in the changing room and Gary Kelly keeps looking at me. I don’t know what it is. I put my head down and I look up and he’s still staring at me. I think I’ve done something to him’.
It was only a couple of months later, when I read an article about Gary Kelly, that he finally said the reason why he was staring. He said ‘I can’t believe I’m in the same dressing room as Paul McGrath”.
10) Jack at his very best
Take a look at the 17:50 mark. It’s just a wonderful anecdote about how good a man-manager Jack Charlton was.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYjDoTEKzAs
Clip via – killianm2
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