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Sport

18th Apr 2018

Harry Redknapp and Gianluca Vialli will be managing club GAA teams in a new TV show

Paul Moore

The ‘wheeler dealer’ is coming to Cork.

AIB will be introducing the former manager of West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth, Harry Redknapp, to west Cork GAA for the new mini-series of The Toughest Rivalry. The weekly series will be broadcast this summer and it will also feature former Italian footballer, manager and Champions League winner, Gianluca Vialli.

The Toughest Rivalry will showcase a famous GAA rivalry with Vialli and Redknapp, who have themselves been on opposing sides on 5 occasions, take charge of Erin’s Isle GAA in Finglas and Castlehaven GAA in West Cork. Fans might remember their infamous 1998 All-Ireland Club Semi Final match that left both teams with unfinished business.

As is the norm, Vialli and Redknapp will be exposed to all aspects of their GAA clubs, both on and off the field of play. Both men will have to offer some input on their team’s training and preparation whilst being exposed to the important role the GAA club plays in community life.

The Toughest Rivalry allows two very different sports worlds to respectfully collide, providing an opportunity for each to learn from one another and grow in knowledge and skill.

Commenting on his new position, Harry Redknapp said: “I am thrilled to dive into the world of GAA. I took a trip out to London GAA training last week before arriving in Castlehaven to see what it is all about. Having been involved in professional football for my whole life, I am really looking forward to working with AIB to get a real understanding of this sport and the central role it plays in Irish life not to mention getting one over on Vialli in the re-match.”

Speaking about his role, Vialli said: “I am very excited to embark on this journey with AIB. I have learned a lot during my 30 years involved in professional football as a player and manager, but I am delighted to get the opportunity to come to Ireland and learn more about GAA. I am interested in seeing what it is that makes this sport so special.”

One thing’s for sure, daily life for the players at Erin’s Isle and Castlehaven is about to become very different.

We wonder if we’re going to be seeing any of this in west Cork?

Clip via – Mikeffc

Topics:

GAA,TV