“I’m a guy that, off the pitch, I’m very hard to fall out with. On the pitch, I’m a bit easier to fall out with.”
Kieran Donaghy had Ireland gripped on Friday night. The Kerry legend appeared on The Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy and he showed a whole other side to himself that most Gaels outside of the Kingdom probably never knew existed.
Star is a big character and he wouldn’t be a stranger to a flashpoint or five on any given Sunday.
But he arrived on RTÉ’s primetime chat show and he showed the man that he is and the public loved it.
The Austin Stacks club man has released his autobiography titled, ‘Kieran Donaghy: What do you think of that?’ and he delved into some sections of it in front of the national cameras and it was raw and poignant. Everything from dogs, to Joe Brolly, to his partner, he covered it with pure emotion and passion.
Donaghy also spoke about the death of his father and the regret of how the pair’s relationship was when he eventually passed at the age of 59.
“It was a tough one because we had a bit of an argument and a bit of a falling out a few years beforehand,” the iconic number 14 said.
“We hadn’t [resolved our difficulties] unfortunately, no. It was tough and that’s what I found the hardest with dealing with his death, just the fact that we fought.
“The biggest feeling I had was almost a regret for him; that he didn’t get to be that dad that’s at home all the time, produced three fabulous children, and had a great wife.
“You know, I’d see Paul Galvin’s parents after All-Irelands and himself and the dad hugging and you can just see that real bond.”
Kerry footballer Kieran Donaghy opening up about his father's death #latelate @starryboy14 https://t.co/qsHSbPpspS
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) October 21, 2016
Every bit of Donaghy’s interview was captivating and his bravery and honesty had the viewers warming to him, Dubs or not.
Outstanding interview from Star. Brutally honest. Did yourself proud. One of our own @kierandonaghy #LateLateShow @AustinStacksGAA #Kerry
— Marlene Fernane (@marlenefernane) October 21, 2016
Kieran Donaghy coming across really well there. He's sold a book here anyway #LateLateShow
— Cahair O'Kane (@CahairOKane1) October 21, 2016
Kieran "Star" Donaghy comes across as a top man here. Very down to earth and modest.
— Johnny Henderson (@toobanlad) October 21, 2016
Kieran "Star" Donaghy comes across as a top man here. Very down to earth and modest.
— Johnny Henderson (@toobanlad) October 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/SeanCavanagh14/status/789590527004073984
Fair play, Kieran. Fair play.
Thanks to Ryan and the team @RTELateLateShow . Off to Kerry now. Signing in @easons Tralee at noon and @warriors_bc cup game at 8. pic.twitter.com/e1Jg9T4aFU
— Kieran Donaghy (@starryboy14) October 21, 2016
In the latest GAA Hour, we talk to Ken McGrath of Waterford and with Declan Brennan about a new club players’ association.
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