The Pat Kenny Show

MICK CLIFFORD'S BOOK ON GROWING UP IN THE KERRY GAA

The Pat Kenny Show

Summary

This October bank holiday weekend serves as a reminder for both drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution on the roads. The Road Safety Authority emphasizes the importance of being vigilant, urging pedestrians to look carefully before crossing and drivers to slow down in busy areas, particularly at pedestrian crossings.

Mick Clifford, author of the new book "There I Long To Be," shares insights into the significance of Gaelic football in his life as a Kerry man, despite being born in Galway. He reflects on his childhood experiences, including his first visit to Croke Park for the 1972 All-Ireland football final replay, describing the thrill and atmosphere of the stadium on match days. Clifford discusses the rich tradition of Gaelic football in South Kerry, highlighting the area's history of producing exceptional players and the unique culture surrounding the sport.

The conversation also touches on the challenges facing rural clubs due to population decline, leading to the amalgamation of teams and a potential loss of identity. Clifford notes that while the GAA is attempting to address these issues, the shift towards larger clubs in urban areas presents its own challenges. He expresses optimism about the growing popularity of women's Gaelic football, suggesting that it may bring a fresh perspective to the sport and its future in Ireland.

Show Notes

MICK’S NEW BOOK – THERE I LONG TO BE - FOCUSES ON THE ROLE GAELIC FOOTBALL PLAYED, AND CONTINUES TO PLAY, IN HIS LIFE AS A KERRYMAN, NOW LIVING IN DUBLIN.

More from The Pat Kenny Show

Oct 26, 2026

CELEBRATED TRADITIONAL MUSICIAN SHARON SHANNON SPEAKS TO PAT ABOUT HER FORTHCOMING ALBUM, AND SHARES FOND MEMORIES OF HER LIFELONG FRIENDSHIP WITH DÓNAL LUNNY, WHO DIED JUST THE DAY BEFORE THIS INTERVIEW.

Oct 26, 2026

FRANCE PROTESTS

Oct 26, 2026

GARETH MULLINS, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT ANANTARA THE MARKER DUBLIN AND FORBES STREET RESTAURANT SERVES UP SOME FUN RECIPES FOR HALLOWE'EN BARMBRACK AND CUP-CAKES

Oct 25, 2026

As Israel heads to the polls on Tuesday, Pat asks what’s become of the two-state solution and why, across much of the Knesset, support for a Palestinian state now seems to have all but evaporated. Sky News Middle East correspondent Adam Parsons joins Pat to unpack whether this is simply a Netanyahu-era stance or a deeper political consensus, and what any change of government would actually mean for Palestinian statehood.

Oct 25, 2026

Charles Haughey remains one of the most divisive figures in Irish political history: a formidable operator, three times Taoiseach, and a man trailed by the arms crisis, unanswered questions about money, and controversy right to the end. Pat is joined in studio by Vincent Browne to discuss his major new biography, Charles Haughey: Glory, Greed, and Guns.

See all episodes →