Pat Spillane, 2 Johnnies and more: Five talking points from the Late Late Show GAA special
Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty in fitting attire for the GAA special
Kerry GAA legend Pat Spillane was in fine form for a chat, with host Patrick Kielty hardly having to ask a question before Spillane practically performed soliloquies for the audience.
He spoke about the birth of his second grandchild, and first grandson, Paddy. And he shared the difficult personal news that baby Paddy lives in Cork – so if he grows up to play county football, it might not be for Kerry.
But in the true spirit of the GAA, which he said is “about families”, Spillane added: “If Paddy wins an All-Ireland with Cork, I wouldn't complain at all.”
Couldn’t have put it any better Pat 🥺☘️#latelate pic.twitter.com/6QsAUnVoOc
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) January 17, 2025
He also spoke about the new GAA rules being introduced, which he is in favour of.
“I'm going to make a comeback as an analyst because I want to be part of bringing enjoyment back to the game of Gaelic football, and bringing enjoyment back to analysis, and bringing fun back to analysis,” he added.
Really is only one way to open the GAA Special and that’s with @the2johnnies #latelate pic.twitter.com/UrEUGDJDtK
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) January 17, 2025
Fresh from their viral podcast episode continuing the ‘ GAA Catfish’ saga this week, the 2 Johnnies were on the show, first to sing ‘When I Play For County’ to open the show and later to talk all things GAA with Kielty and Spillane.
After discussing local clubs and playing and club funding, the pair promised to return to discuss their latest podcast episode, which Kielty said could be a whole show in itself.
"Fair pay, the GPA actually contacted all their members today about it,” said Johnny B O’Brien.
“We would say to people be safe online because the social media companies, they're making billions and they don't give a shite for people. They need to do more.”
The Tipperary duo originally brought the story of the GAA catfish to the nation’s attention in May 2022, revealing a serial catfisher had allegedly been contacting men, including a well-known GAA player, under a number of different aliases.
What a beautiful tribute to Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh#latelate pic.twitter.com/aqj98JHQpL
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) January 17, 2025
In an emotional moment on the show, the family of late commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh were in the studio for a tribute to their father six months after his death.
They recalled his excitement each year for the All-Ireland finals.
“All-Ireland final days were even more special because he'd be like any of the players preparing for the final. He'd be ready from early morning, his kit bag would be ready with his notebook, he'd be up and have the mass done and the breakfast out of the way. He couldn't wait to get into Croke Park. And he'd be first there every All-Ireland final Sunday, he'd meet the groundsman, he'd meet the players, he'd walk the pitch. He lived and breathed the game, and he couldn't wait for the action to start.”
They spoke about his funeral and how the GAA community came to Dingle from across the country, returning his visits over the years to their clubs and occasions.
“We were honoured. We were so grateful that they all did that. And it would have meant an awful lot to him.” Kielty presented the family with a Late Late Show Legend Award as a tribute to Ó Muircheartaigh.
Sports journalist Evanne Ní Chuilinn praised the Mothers and Others initiative, sharing how much she enjoys gathering with other women for the low-pressure game.
“It's about more than sport, and it's about more than Gaelic football. It is about community. It’s about support. We have women on our team who are pregnant, who are postpartum, who are perimenopausal, who are menopausal,” she said.
“You cannot imagine the ranting that goes on at training. But if we did not have that hour a week to rant and have the crack – and play a bit of football – we would not stay sane.”
GAA President Jarlath Burns discusses bus relationship with Naas GAA #latelate pic.twitter.com/bbxbuYb8Is
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) January 17, 2025
GAA president Jarlath Burns recently emailed his “reservations” to Naas GAA club about former Derry manager Rory Gallagher becoming a senior football coach – and he told Patrick Kielty he won’t be retracting his comments despite threats of legal action by Gallagher.
Burns’ misgivings concerned allegations of domestic abuse against Gallagher by his estranged wife Nicola in 2023.
“This is a really tragic situation for a family. It shouldn’t be getting discussed on ‘The Late, Late Show’. It's just sad that it is on such a wonderful (tribute) evening for the Gaelic Athletic Association,” Burns said.
“But I hope it doesn’t go to that and I would wish everyone well. And there is always a way back for people. The GAA is not interested in cancel culture and we have told Rory that as well.
“Rory is aware of the way back for him and I wish Rory and all his family well and I hope that we can get a resolution on this.”
He also said Kyle Hayes, who was convicted of violent disorder at a Limerick nightclub and also convicted of dangerous driving, has “a way back”.
“Our players are role models. We expect a lot of them. Our players are a reflection of the community and the society from which they come,” he said, adding he has “full confidence” in the Limerick manager and County Board.
