Renowned actor and comedian Pat Shortt was the guest alongside Alan Quinlan on Episode Two of How's The Head?, as they discussed mental health, Pat's long career, and the GAA.
Pat grew up in Thurles under the shadow of Semple Stadium, and his fellow Premier County man Quinlan asked him about his feelings towards the GAA when he was younger.
"It's funny, I grew up in Thurles on Kickham Street, and 'The Rubber' Doyle, Tommy Doyle, one of the most famous hurlers, lived down the street.
"Thurles was a bit like that... you had famous hurlers around the place, they were all around you. Yet, there was something funny on our street. There were a load of lads and nobody played hurling, we didn't play for a club or anything!
"I think there was a bit of animosity towards the GAA... I remember in 1984, when there was the centenary of the GAA, and Tommy Doyle couldn't get a ticket for the match!
"Here's a guy that had a massive amount of All-Ireland medals, played for Tipperary, gave up everything. He was a rockstar back in the fifties and that time.
15 March 2013; Limerick supporter Pat Shortt during the game. Airtricity League Premier Division, Drogheda United v Limerick, Hunky Dorys Park, Drogheda, Co. Louth. Picture credit: Oliver McVeigh / SPORTSFILE"That kind of disillusioned me and a lot of the lads on the street. I suppose when you're a kid too there's a bit of anarchy in you as well. So we did boxing, running, all kinds of other things, [but] never played hurling really to be honest with you. [I played] a little bit in school."
Pat also told us he has many memories of playing at Semple Stadium, although in a musical sense and not with a sliotar and hurl.
"I did, but I played the cornet! I played at more Munster finals than Nicky English I'd say! I played the trumpet, the cornet in the Thurles brass band.
"I used to play all the big matches there when I was a kid, so I was there all the time. Don't get me wrong, I love hurling and am a big hurling fan. I only found out recently my dad has an All-Ireland medal, he only told us in the last year or two!"
How's The Head Episode Two with Pat Shortt will debut on OTB Sports Radio today at noon - listen in at otbsports.com or the Go Loud App!
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