Paul McGrath is not only one of the best defenders to have played for Manchester United, he is also a national treasure in the Republic of Ireland so it’s always a treat to see him appear on the Late Late Show.
This time he was chatting with Patrick Kielty, who replaced Ryan Tubridy as host of the show at the end of 2023, about a wide range of topics including the death of his mother Betty who passed away in September 2020.
McGrath spent seven years with the Reds where he went on to make 203 appearances, scoring 12 goals.
McGrath told Kielty (via The Mirror): “It was very, very tough. I had grown up in an orphanage in Ireland since I was five and it was tough. My mum used to always come to the orphanage and she used to always try to kick a football with me. It wasn’t always a great idea because she wore sandals.
“She wanted me to be a footballer and when I lost her I was a bit all at sea for a while and doing crazy things like I usually do but it was a tough time.”
McGrath also gave a special mention to supporters of Ireland as he thanked them for their support both during and after his playing career.
He added: “I’m amazed that they still would come out and clap and stuff like that because I’ve done so many misdemeanours – is that what they’re called now?
“You know, I’ve missed games and I’ve been found drinking places and stuff like that. But Irish people have always been very loyal to me. I just think it’s brilliant.
“One day they’re going to go, ‘we’ve had enough of you’, but they’ve been brilliant to me and I love and thank you for the support I’ve had over the years because it’s been just second to none.”
After the show, McGrath stayed behind to take pictures with all the audience.
Paul McGrath staying behind to take pics with all the audience tells you exactly what kind of man he is. Legend. #LateLate pic.twitter.com/qEdQ9I17J6
— JJ (@jayhartigan) January 19, 2024
It tells you exactly what kind of man he is and, in our experiences of dealing with McGrath in the past, I can honestly say he’s always been a gentleman.
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