BROADCASTER Jimmy Magee, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, will host a new chat show starting on Irish TV on Tuesday, February 3.
‘Jimmy’s Heroes’, features interviews with Irish sports personalities such as John Treacy, Brian McEniff, Brian Mullins, Mick O’Dwyer, Michael Carruth, and Cora Staunton.
The half-hour programme will air on Tuesdays at 9pm on Sky 191, Freesat 400, eVision 191, all free-to-air boxes, and online at www.irishtv.ie. Repeats will air on Sunday at 2pm.
An hour long special is scheduled for the series opener in which Irish TV presenter Frank Galligan will ask Magee about his career.
Magee is delighted to be involved with this new venture. “In an Irish context they are icons,” Magee said about the sportspeople. “While the subjects of these shows will be known to everyone, the private part of their lives won’t be.
“And the Diaspora especially, who are spread throughout the world, will love hearing their stories, just like I did. I hope people are saying every week, ‘I wonder who is on this week.”
With a keen interest in amateur boxing Magee talks enthusiastically about Carruth. “Ireland is now reaching 30 Olympic medals for boxing. That’s a lot of medals for a little country. Of the men, we have only one gold medal – Michael Carruth – that makes him special and he is still hale and hearty. His whole family are mixed up in boxing."
Cora Staunton’s exploits for Mayo and Carnacorn are worthy of the utmost respect according to Magee. “Cora Staunton is not the only woman who plays Gaelic football but she has had a fantastic career and is the driving force behind women’s football in Mayo.”
Magee recalls when John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council, won a silver medal at the Olympic games in 1984. “I did commentary when he won his silver medal in Los Angeles. It was a fantastic occasion. I remember it well and we are well associated with each other since then.”
Mick O’Dwyer’s playing and managerial career will also be discussed. “Mick O’Dwyer is as well-known as the McGillycuddy Reeks. He was the manager of that wonderful team that won so many All Irelands – he’s the kingpin of football. After a great career as a player with Kerry he became a great manager – one of the key managers of all time.”
Brian McEniff’s passion for Donegal is something which Magee appreciates too. “Brian McEniff has devoted his life to Donegal. He was on the Ulster team long before Donegal did anything. He became the first Donegal All-Star. When they won an All-Ireland for the first time he was manager. No matter where Donegal are playing from China to Charlestown, he’s always there.”
Former Dublin midfielder Brian Mullins will also go through his decorated career. “Big Brian Mullins was on that Dublin team that won an All-Ireland in ’74. He played in good times and in bad. He was a key figure from ’74 to ’86.
“He survived a near fatal motorcycle accident and incredibly came back from serious injury and won an All Ireland. Nothing is too much for him. He never thought that when he was on death's door that he wouldn’t play again. He is still like that. He is very like Roy Keane – robust and gentle as hell.”
