With Sean Kelly MEP and Marc Coleman in Newstalk

Sean Kelly is a great leader in Ireland. He steered the opening of Croke Park to other field sports in his time as Uachtarain GAA. To become President of the GAA is a momentous achievement in Irish life. My respect for the GAA grew enormously following that decision. I attended every Ireland rugby match at Croke Park. The England game ranks up there with the England game in 1973 at Lansdowne as a hugely important sporting occasion in my life. The iconic picture of Paul O’Connell catching the ball at full stretch in a line-out is inforgettable. I salute the GAA, Liam Mulvihill and Sean Kelly for providing the stage for such a magnificent occasion. The Black and Tans had finally been buried. The presence of so many Ulstermen – Unionists largely- made it extra special. Sean Kelly has proven that we must never give up hope but look forward into the great unknown. As Louis Armstrong put it, “What a wonderful world!”

RBS Six Nations – Ireland v England