Tom Dunne's Music & Me: Fr Ted, Ian Gillan and other tales from my secret soccer past
Alternative Ireland: BACK, L-R, Dermot Morgan. Nicky English, Jerry Fehily (Hot House Flowers), Barney Rock (?), Billy McGrath, unknown, Oliver Walshe; FRONT, Shay Healy, Ray Treacy, Tom Dunne, PJ Smith (No Sweat), Chris de Burgh, Tony Fenton.
When I was growing up, all small boys came with two alternate soundtracks in their heads. One was audience applause for their musical talents. The other was a radio commentary on their silken football skills. Very few grew up to actually hear either. A tiny elite grew up to hear both.
The Smiths' Johnny Marr was approached by Nottingham Forest. In another life he could have played with Keano and been This Charming Midfielder. Damon Gough, AKA Badly Drawn Boy, had trials at Manchester United. Manic Street Preachers' Nicky Wire captained the Welsh youth team. James Allen, of Glasvegas, played professional soccer at Falkirk.
