McGrath a hit as Sports stars are honoured
FORMER Republic of Ireland legend Paul McGrath received a standing ovation as he was special guest at the Sligo Champion Sports Awards last Thursday. The affable 57- year- old was greeted on stage by MC Austin O’Callaghan. The centre back, regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest players of all time said he was delighted to be at the ceremony and how wonderful it was to see such an array of sporting disciplines receiving awards. He recounted beginning his football career with St Patrick’s Athletic, where he spent a short six months before joining Manchester United in 1982 under Ron Atkinson. The Dubliner was asked if he ever played in the Showgrounds during his spell with Pat’s and he said he was fairly sure he did. Then it was onto the famous 1985 FA Cup, and the 1- 0 defeat of Everton, which sent the team into the history books, McGrath as always spoke humbly about his man- of- the- match role in the title winning performance, which included fellow Irishman Kevin Moran.
McGrath then spoke about signing with Aston Villa in 1989, where he played some of the best football of his career, although he joked about picking up numerous knee injuries. Coincidentally, he was on crutches at Thursday’s event due to undergoing a knee operation. He also regaled the audience with his International career under Jack Charlton, which one of its many highlights included a 1- 0 defeat of Italy in the 199 World Cup. McGrath presented Conor Griffin, Senior Sportsman of the Year, with his first International Cap and wished the Calry man the best of luck with his career. He also spoke highly of youngster Séamas Keogh, recipient of Juvenile Sportsman of the Year, who is captain of the Republic of Ireland U15s, saying it’s an incredible feat for both Sligo men and their footballing futures. When asked what advice he would give the likes of the young footballers from the Ursuline College in the crowd, winners of the Juveniles Women’s Team of the Year, McGrath said to always train as hard as possible and keep striving for success.
He spoke briefly about Barcelona’s historic win the previous night over PSG in the Champions League, remarking they play some great football, adding he’s enjoying the style of football Manchester City and Manchester United once again are playing. Although he’s glad to see Aston Villa bouncing back, his team that he supports are Chelsea, saying they’re cruising at the top. Although the Dubliner added football is awash with too much money these days, he reckons it’s taking away from the game as fellas are earning more than € 100k a week. McGrath was on hand to present a number of awards before signing autographs and taking pictures with his many fans before heading back to his home in Wexford. He also tweeted: “Thanks to the Sligo Champion for having me at the Sports Awards today, we had a great afternoon. Lovely bunch of people.” The pleasure was all ours.