Press pass with Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Seán Bán Breathnach
My eldest brother Pádraig used to buy the Evening Press every day on his way home from work in Galway City. I still remember my favourite headline from the back page from when Cassius Clay fought Henry Cooper in Wembley Stadium in 1963 “The Kentucky Rooster lays an Egg” .
At the tender age of 16, like many others of my generation, I went to work on the building sites in London. I mostly worked as a hod carrier, which is one of the most physically demanding jobs you can have. I was very lucky that I had my older brothers (Máirtín and Pádraig), and my Uncle Cóil to mind me.
I scored a goal at U14 level for An Spidéal in a West Board Hurling final. I can’t even remember if we won that game! However, I must clarify, that my own parish’s club, Cumann Micheál Breathnach, had not yet been established.
It must be the 2005 All- Ireland SHC semi-final between Galway and Kilkenny. There were nine goals scored that day, and Galway managed to come out on top with 5-18 to Kilkenny’s 4-18. It was absolutely thrilling.
Michael Donnellan’s magnificent and mesmerising solo run from the Canal End up to Hill 16 during the 1998 All- Ireland football final between Galway and Kildare. The cherry on top was, that the run was finished off with a point by An Cheathrú Rua’s Seán Óg de Paor. That run by the Dunmore man changed the game and played a huge part in bringing Sam back to Galway for the first time in 32 years.
My favourite venue, is not one I get to visit very often, Páirc Sheáin Mhic Diarmada in Carrick-on- Shannon. I love an intimate commentary position beside the pitch where I can see all the action.
I once covered a League match from the back of an uncovered cattle-truck in Miltown Malbay. Clare. Four other commentators from various stations shared that same truck. The rain was so heavy that I booked into a hotel to have a warm shower afterwards. Needless to say, the hospitality in the Banner County was second to none.
I love a big scoop of vanilla ice-cream (sometimes 2) with strawberry jelly!
My biggest mistake was calling Ronan O’Gara’s penalty against Northampton too early when Munster played them in the Heineken Cup final in Twickenham in 2000. I was halfway through a glorious speech about Munster Rugby, when I realised that it had dropped short.
Ger Loughnane, without a doubt.
There is only one “Anraí an Rí” or, as they know him in Kilkenny, Henry Shefflin. He is a joy to watch and to commentate on. In football, my pick would have to be Fear na Gaeltachta Páidí Ó Sé, he only conceded one point in eight All-Ireland finals.
It has to be Galway hurling club Portumna. I’m probably a little biased, as I’m fairly fond of the lads, especially Damian Hayes and the Cannings. They gave us some great St. Patrick’s Days in Ceann Áras CLG.
If the family are going to Croke Park, we’ll usually try and stop for the breakfast. Our favourite spot is the West County Hotel in Chapelizod in Dublin. I love my porridge and two boiled eggs. We’ll sit, read the papers, and discuss tactics. For some reason, none of my four grown children seem to remember to bring their wallets!
The lovely buttered current bread they have in Semple Stadium in Thurles. It is lovely on a cold, wet day in early spring with a big cup of coffee.
George Hamilton is a class act. And of course, I couldn’t not mention the master himself, Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, who taught me everything.
It would be great if players who spoke Irish were included at the post-match press conferences. But to be fair, the communications team in Croke Park do an amazing job, and always do what they can to accommodate our specific language needs.
I’ve been so lucky with my work with RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta that I’ve been able to travel all over the world to witness the most amazing sporting events, including the Olympics and several World Cups. However, I’d love to follow the Lions Tour.
Isn’t it mighty craic to have Dallas back! JR is still a devil, and he hasn’t aged a day. There is also a great show starting on TG4 called Jockey Eile on Sunday, October 7.
My wife Brighid’s Ashbourne medal that she won with UCC in 1978. I also have a lot of GAA Clárs at home, at some stage I’ll sort through them.
My top tip would to buy the local papers if you are driving through a place — local journalists have a wealth of knowledge! Also, don’t forget to talk to people… you’d never know what scoop you’d get chatting to someone as you’re paying for your petrol!
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