Niall Quinn: Episode 51

One of Ireland's most highly acclaimed sportspeople Niall Quinn talks about his route to success as a footballer before making it successful in both business and media. Niall talks about the GAA constructing a rule to prevent him playing with too many clubs as a youngster, being told so abruptly that he would never make it as a footballer at fifteen which made him temporarily turn his back on the sport before becoming one of Ireland's footballing legends.

Niall played more sport before the age of sixteen than most families have combined and his journey to get to the heights of success that he has is a fascinating one. In this rare long form interview with Niall he reveals which Irish bank is partly responsible for saving Sunderland when he took over as chairman before giving a fascinating insight into the pressures of running a club which is in despair. He also gives opinion on the circumstances of Saipan in 2002 and his relationship with Roy Keane whom he later hired as manager for Sunderland.

This episode is sponsored by GAA GO, Currency Fair and The Email Laundry. Get updates on future episodes and live shows by following @jarlath on Twitter or contact the show directly on irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com.