General Spec

Leigh is a long way from Tuam County Galway based in the UAE and the route he has taken to signing his first professional football contract at the age of 33. We speak about growing up, playing junior football in Galway. Dealing with setbacks and wanting to see more of the world which involved moving to London and then to Dubai. Leigh is a busy man, fitting in coaching, training, playing and working. He speaks about some of the Premier League footballers he has met who he know calls friends. Leigh talks about his hopes for the future and where he’d like to see himself.

“A wonderfully well crafted comedian with a great old school style of storytelling” is how Tommy Tiernan has described Bernard. But, did you know he has won two all Irelands? How soaking wet clothes didn’t stop him making the first steps into something we never wants to leave. Bernard talks about his upbringing in Kerry, being in a school class of craic and playing football for his local club, Skellig Rangers. He is a comedian who has hundreds of millions of views, what inspires the idea of his characters and situations? Also, the teeth?! It was an absolute pleasure talking to Bernard, give him a follow on his socials as you will be guaranteed a laugh!

Singer, songwriter and Williamstown neighbour, Hubert Murray, joins the pod to talk about growing up in a house of music and mix tapes, and the influence of his family on his musical journey. A conversation with his father, led Hubert to fly the nest and follow his love for music. Hubert later moved to London for work and with that came a change in his music taste, being immersed into the blue grass and folk scene. Hear Hubert talk about how he found the move back to Ireland and the inspirations of his music and lyrics. Hubert works in healthcare and we speak about how he has managed to keep both plates spinning. Hubert is my oldest childhood friend so it was a great walk down memory lane! At the start and end of this episode you will hear Hubert’s soon to be released new style song “Everything is Not as it Seems”. Hope you enjoy, and if you do why not check out Hubert’s music on Spotify and YouTube, and while you are at it, give the podcast a follow and 5 stars!

I had the absolute pleasure of having Irish Times Sports Journalist Malachy Clerkin join the pod for episode 7. Malachy talks about how a mistake on his college CAO form led him to the job he loves. We talked about growing up in Monaghan Town during an era of influential sports stars like Maradona and McGuigan. Malachy also talks about his own time as right back for his local soccer club, the big move to Dublin for college and the competition win that got him into the Sunday Tribune. Malachy is one of Ireland’s finest sports writers, and we get into how he learned to engage the reader telling stories from a different angle. We also discuss the books he has written, and chatting to his mates at Second Captains. Hope you enjoy it, please subscribe to the podcast and share about.

Malachy speaks about the European Rugby Cup Final, does it bode badly for the Irish team going into the World Cup? Thoughts on the new All Ireland football series, and why are so many not bothered? And finally who is Malachy tipping for Sam. The Full Episode with Malachy is out Thursday 1st June. Please share and subscribe to the pod!

Award winning journalist and good mate Liam joins the pod to talk about his career to date and hopes for the future. Liam speaks about how early family influences shaped him and his passion for social injustice. Listen to Liam speak passionately about tragic stories he has covered like Stephen Smith and the work done during covid and how they affected him. Liam speaks fondly of his Irish links, which grew when we lived together in “The Palace” of Chorlton. Liam tells the story of how he is known as the “midget vaccine guy” both in the UK and around the world. We get into how he approaches coming face to face with the leaders of the government and how this changed with experience. Liam is not only a talented journalist but a wonderful speaker, this was really fun to record and I hope you enjoy it. If you do please share it about!

Will from Generation Rent speaks about private renting in the UK and the common issues faced by renters. Making the news this week is the Renters Reform Bill, Will speaks about the benefits that this will bring. We get into what pressures can be put on the government, those who are forever renters and are happy to be. Find out if landlords are leaving the market and turning to Airbnb. Generation Rent (https://www.generationrent.org/) offer practical advice and are active on social media. #VentYourRent

Zach Sullivan, professional ice hockey player for almost a decade, who has played for his country and in 2020 became the first openly bisexual player in the sport. What spurred him to going public? the media frenzy which took hold alongside the reaction of own team mates. Zach speaks about importance of his family, why they put him into so many sports when young, what made him choose ice hockey and the experience of scoring past Petr Cech. The move to Glasgow and why it went ended on a sour note. Zach talks joining the Manchester Storm. We also touch upon the immediate plans, does he want to stay at the Storm next season? And what after the game? We also managed so football manager chat too! Enjoy and share.

Seán picks up the chat talking about his Dundee United debut. Seán went on to play a decade at Tannadice and that special cup win in 2010, the European nights and the derby games. Seán also spoke about what he is doing now at Montrose, what attributes have served him well to be playing coming up to 40. We also speak about the future, does he want to become a manager? and the current state of the League of Ireland and the national team. A absolute gent to speak with, please subscribe and share this pod.

Seán kicks off the second season of the pod, and it’s a two part special! In this episode Seán talks about growing up in Dublin, the various experiences he has with being scouted before going to Aston Villa. Seán talks about moving home, striking up a life long friendship with fellow pod guest Graham Gartland, winning trophies at Longford Town and Shels, plus very entertaining stories of being involved with the Irish youth setup, with legendary manager Brian Kerr.