GAA star puts best foot forward for fashion shoot

FOOTWEAR fetishes are not something you would associate with GAA hardman Paul Galvin.

But the Kerry footballer is keen to show he’s as stylish off the pitch as he is on it.

Galvin has put his fashion credentials forward in a rare and revealing photo-shoot in the current issue of Irish Tatler – The Men’s Issue.

Featured sharply dressed in a range of outfits from Topman to TK Maxx, the Kerry footballer spoke of how he swaps training for trainers when he wants to unwind off the pitch.

“I have loads of shoes, a whole wardrobe, in fact practically every style you could imagine – brogues, plimsolls, ankle boots, trainers, you name it. I’ve actually a bit of a footwear fetish when it comes to trainers,” he said.

The 2009 Footballer of the Year added he enjoys creating his own style by having his clothes customised, and regularly takes his jackets and jeans to the tailor for alterations.

“I get my jeans taken in to make them skinny and have elbow patches put on blazers.

“I always wear skinny jeans – I just love the fit. My mates slag me about them but I’m skinny so I can wear them.”

In a previous interview with TV3’s celebrity and style show Xposé, style-conscious Galvin admitted that shopping for new clothes is his favourite pastime.

“I love shopping, I love clothes and fashion, I hit the shops when I want to get away from the game,” he said.

Despite being in touch with his feminine side, ex-schoolteacher Galvin is no stranger to disciplinary run-ins after being involved in a number of controversial instances on the pitch.

He was banned for eight weeks after clashing off-the-ball with Cork defender Eoin Cadogan during the Munster SFC semi- final replay earlier this year.

Speaking to Irish Tatler, Galvin added having a passion for fashion does not necessarily mean wearing expensive designer clothing.

“I’m not brand conscious, as long as it fits me well that’s the main thing.

“Having said that, when I’m rich enough I want a Dior blazer,” he said.