Paul Kimmage and Gary O'Toole joined Joe Molloy on Off the Ball's Sunday Paper Review this afternoon.
In a week that had seen legendary British sports journalist Hugh McIlvanney pass away, Paul recalled some of his first-hand encounters with the Scottish writer. From living in a house with McIlvanney for the 2005 Open in St. Andrews, to dining with his Sunday Times colleague in Las Vegas ahead of Wayne McCullough's 1998 bout with Naseem Hamed, Paul's memories of this "genius" were not universally positive; but generally explored with warmth and generosity, nevertheless. You can watch back the discussion regarding McIlvanney's life and work here.
Moving on to the weekend to come and Ireland's bid to reclaim the Six Nations, Gary explored the journalistic approach to Joe Schmidt, analysing one particular piece that may well leave the Irish head coach somewhat displeased for the relatively candid revelation of an unnamed friend.
Paul's focus went more closely toward his colleague Neil Francis, and a piece the Sunday Independent journalist penned with relation to rugby, soccer and the delicate question of class. Displeased with the overall tone of Francis' piece, you can watch this particular excerpt in isolation here.
Touching upon a range of other topics contained within this Sunday's papers, Paul and Gary scarcely hid their willingness to comment.
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