McGuinness' hilarious reaction to Jimmy's Winning Matches after meeting singer
Rory Gallagher from Rory and the Island told of McGuinness' reaction to the song in a social media post this week ahead of the All-Ireland final between Donegal and Kerry.
He wrote: "I remember all those years ago Jim McGuinness coming up to me, putting his arm around me and whispering gently into my ear: 'See that song you wrote, it has my head melted!' It got even worse for him when RTE then made a comedy sketch of him walking around Donnybrook and everyone running up to him shouting 'Jimmy's Winning Matches!' as he kept trying to walk away faster!"
"But to be honest I think this genuinely stems from his modesty, he always pushes how brilliant the team are and that they do the harder work, and deserve all the credit.
"This is why in the 2024 revamp version I released I changed the final chorus lyrics to 'The Team are Winning Matches' .
"However, when we see the effect he has had since his return as Donegal manager this past 2 years nobody can deny there is something very special about Jim McGuinness, so even if he gets modestly embarrassed by the song ... it's his own fault... for just constantly Winning Matches!"
Rory appeared on Saturday's Up for the Match on RTE and will play at Dtwo in Dublin on Sunday following the final at 7pm.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Times
an hour ago
- Irish Times
Galway Races Ladies' Day in pictures: Woman who designed own outfit wins top prize
Locals triumphed in the fashion stakes on Ladies' Day at the Galway Races this year, with Megan Cunniss from Newcastle in Galway city winning the €10,000 Best Dressed Lady prize. She wore a white dress with black trim which she designed herself and had made in France. Her hat was from Millinery By Mairéad in Newry, with Ms Cunniss adding the black ribbon herself. 'I just can't believe it, I am ecstatic. I'm from Galway so this means so much to me,' she said. READ MORE Megan Cunniss from Newcastle in Galway shows off her winning outfit. Photograph: Brian McEvoy Breda Butler sporting her winning hat. Photograph: Andrew Downes/Xposure Megan Cunniss was named winner of the best dressed competition. Photograph: Andrew Downes/Xposure The best hat prize went to Breda Butler from Thurles, Co Tipperary, winning her €3,000. It was made by local milliner Michelle Kearns from Tuam. The judging panel was led by Mandy Maher and included Niamh Ryan, co-founder of Ella & Jo of the Irish skincare brand sponsoring the competition, and Lisa McGowan, founder of Lisa & Co and Lisa's Lust List, and former winner of the best dressed competition. Francesca Madden, Ava Kane and Hannah Fagan from Cavan and Longford taking a break at the races. Photograph: Morgan Tracey/Inpho Martha Galvin from Ballina sporting a hat she made herself. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Mine Malone from Edenderry enjoying the races. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Natasha, John and Alexander McNulty enjoying the races on Thursday. Photograph: Brian McEvoy Stacey O'Leary from Kerry at Ladies' Day in Galway. Photograph: Andrew Downes/Xposure Thato Montse enjoying Ladies' Day at the Galway Races on Thursday. Photograph: Brian McEvoy Laura Nash and Andrea Murray from Ballina enjoying Ladies' Day at Ballybrit. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Test Ehiguese from Dublin enjoying Ladies' Day. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Niamh Egan fom Co Cork at the races. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Eva Hayes Morrissey from Co Limerick at Ladies' Day. Photograph: Andrew Downes/Xposure Milliner Gillian Duggan enjoying Ladies' Day at the Galway racing summer festival. Photograph: Andrew Downes/Xposure Lauren Tinkler from Kildare at the races. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Louisa Murphy from Tramore, Co Waterford, holding her Manolo Blahnik which got caught in a grate at the races. She needed help setting it free. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Maksuda Akhter at Ladies' Day. Photograph: Andrew Downes/Xposure Kimberly Mushayabasa from Co Meath enjoying Ladies' Day. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Irish Times
2 hours ago
- Irish Times
‘I loved every day I worked with Seán and will miss him': tributes paid to beloved RTÉ presenter Seán Rocks
President Michael D Higgins , friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Seán Rocks , the RTÉ broadcaster and actor, who died on Wednesday after a brief illness, aged 64. Rocks presented the nightly arts and culture show Arena on RTÉ Radio 1 since the show's inception in 2009. He was also an actor, appearing in plays at the Gate , Peacock and Abbey theatres, and he was recognised and admired for the knowledge and empathy he brought to his role interviewing some of the country's best known arts figures. In a statement, the President said Ireland had lost 'one of its finest broadcasters and advocates for the arts'. [ Seán Rocks: Ireland has lost one of its great cultural champions Opens in new window ] 'Seán's show Arena on Radio 1 was an example, for all generations of listeners, of the deep, wide and supportive curiosity that he delivered from a rich insight into all aspects of the arts and culture. Seán's interest in all forms of the arts shone through on every topic and he expanded so many people's appreciation of performance and culture of all kinds,' the President said. READ MORE Sinéad Egan, series producer of Arena, told The Irish Times that Rocks's time as an actor gave him a 'fascinating' perspective. 'It meant that he appreciated how important every single piece of art was to the people involved, no matter the scale,' she said. 'Seán was beloved in RTÉ radio and within the arts community. It is impossible to overstate Seán's warmth and empathy as a person and as a broadcaster. He knew that for guests on Arena, art is life. Making radio with Seán was a privilege and a joy. Time and again, the best writers, visual artists, musicians, actors and film-makers came to Arena to talk to Seán because they knew he would engage fully with their work and ideas. His loss is profound. I am devastated for Seán and for his beautiful family.' Donal Ryan, author Seán was a deeply warm, funny and kind man with an incredible intellect and vast empathy. He always made people around him feel special and appreciated. I remember meeting him years ago in the RTÉ canteen and he could tell that I was nervous. He put his arm around me and said, 'Ah Donal, you'll be grand,' and I was. There was nothing like turning on the radio on a long drive home and hearing that Arena was about to start. It was miraculous, to have such a rich, entertaining and expansive show every day, presented with such easy brilliance. Seán is a huge loss to all of us, but I can only imagine his family's devastation. My deepest sympathy to Catherine, Morgan, Christian and all of his loved ones. Kay Sheehy, former series producer of Arena If there is magic in radio it has to be on air, and Seán Rocks had plenty of magic moments. But for me, thinking back with sadness and love for my friend and colleague Seán, the magic I liked most was in our pre-show tussles. We just loved to have a good old barney about a play, book or performance we had seen. We'd bicker and bark with disbelief about what the other 'could possibly' have admired or hated. It may have got the critical juices flowing for the show ahead, but for me it was fun, because he was fun. A producer's worst fear is some hare-brained idea they have being dismissed by an all-knowing presenter. That was never the case with Seán. 'Let's go to the Abbey and do a deep dive show on Conor McPherson's The Weir with the writer, director Caitríona McLaughlin , actor Brendan Coyle and cast interpreting the play?' He would jump at the chance. 'Let's do a Trad Fest special with Janis Ian, with others singing her songs as her voice is no longer up to it'? Again it was a yes. I loved every day I worked with Seán and will miss him. Elaine Feeney, author Seán Rocks was so brilliant and smart, he was deeply supportive of the arts (of all persuasion of arts), and his knowledge and understanding of culture was unparalleled. He understood what creativity meant, and was a light on the many evenings I listened to him, even on dark days when the whole world seemed off kilter, he was reliable and reassuring. I am so very sad to hear of his untimely passing. (From Instagram) Olan McGowan, former producer of Arena Seán Rocks was the best, the most natural presenter I ever worked with. It was a pleasure producing Arena, going through material before the show and it was always a pleasure sitting in studio when he was in the chair. Nobody had a greater appreciation of the arts than Seán. His ability to go from the latest Netflix series to a highbrow author and then back to music of any genre, all in one show, was unparalleled. I always said Arena was a very good show with a very good team, but it was Seán that made it great. He is irreplaceable. (From Instagram) Edel Coffey, author and former RTÉ radio researcher I started working on Arena a long time ago, which is how I got to know and love Seán Rocks. He was always brilliant and interested and smart and informed, but also he was always kind and funny and great fun. I have lovely memories of chair-dancing in the studio with him as we reviewed albums. He was very special, a total gentleman. This is devastating news for him, his family, the arts community and radio broadcasting. Joseph Chester, singer-songwriter Going on to Arena to talk to Seán was always a bit more nerve-racking than any other interview simply because his knowledge of the arts was so deep and you knew he would never let you get away with blather and cliches. You had to be prepared for an interview with Seán. For that reason I think that his interviews had a depth and understanding that few others had. He was also so supportive to me, inviting me on the show whenever I had an album coming out. I was in with him just a few weeks ago, talking about Françoise Sagan, sadness and life and playing a few pieces for him. He was in great form, curious and warm and talking off air about his family. He will be so missed. (From Instagram) Roisín O'Donnell, author People talk about feeling seen, and I think that's what Seán did for everyone who walked into his studio. He had that rare gift for making people feel seen, heard and understood. Back in 2016, I was a very nervous young writer, just starting out, but Seán put me instantly at ease, and talked about my stories with such insight and empathy. I walked out of there feeling like a million dollars. His wit, intelligence and passion for the arts in all forms was truly remarkable. The Irish arts scene has lost a real legend. (From Instagram) Sinéad Gleeson, author and Arena contributor I am – along with so many in the Irish arts community – devastated to hear about the death of Seán Rocks, presenter of @rte_arena . An intelligent, curious, warm broadcaster who lifted us all up, but more importantly, was a wonderful person. A total gentleman, always smiling who put people at ease. I loved the studio chats before the mic was live, where we often talked about our kids. I was only on air with him nine days ago and I couldn't make it to studio, and now I wish I had. He was one of a kind and will be so missed. (From Instagram) Nadine O'Regan, Irish Times journalist and Arena contributor Seán Rocks was one of the most lovely people you could ever encounter. He was gas off air – with plenty of anecdotes and wisecracks – and professional, good-humoured, thoughtful and wise on air. There were so many lessons you could take from Seán as a presenter. He was a brilliant listener, with a finely tuned ear for a turn in a conversation, or a change in tone. He was extremely respectful to his guests – whether you were a huge star or a small contributor, he treated everyone the same. He was ego-free. And he was consistent – he always gave the show his all. Just the other week, I was saying to one of Arena's team how brilliant the show was, and how much I enjoyed contributing to it. 'Everything stems from the presenter,' she said. 'Seán is the same off-air as on – and he brings that atmosphere with him.' Éilís Ní Dhuibhne, poet and author Dinner with Seán Rocks A year ago I started having dinner with Seán Rocks. I light the candles, pour a glass of wine And set my plate upon the table. Then Arena starts. 'Imagine turning up For an interview with that!' he says. Novelists and singers. My favourites are the film critics: so frank and honest. It's March. I turn on the radio. The dark locked garden calls for candles. After the clock springs on In April they're not really needed. But still I persist. Dinner with Seán Rocks, at seven every evening. It's March again. A year has passed, The year of Covid. I light the candles, set My plate upon the table. Rice and chicken. 'I want to Finish with something I know you love!' You know what I like about Seán Rocks? He's nice. He has a melodious voice. He's not pompous, never perky. He speaks decent Irish. 'Anois an Nuacht ó Mháire de Bhailís' He says before his show begins. 'That is our lot for this evening.' Much has happened Since last March. Birth and death. And yet 'Tá sé díreach in am do John Creedon.' (from Facebook)
Irish Times
3 hours ago
- Irish Times
US actor jailed for five years for raping woman in Dublin Airbnb
An American actor who raped a 19-year-old woman in a Dublin Airbnb and choked her until she passed out has been jailed for five years. Kevin Yungman (32) pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to one charge of raping the woman in June 2018.. Yungman, with an address in Florida, was arrested in the US in August 2024 and extradited back to Ireland. The court heard that Yungman met the Brazilian woman in Paris three months before the assault in an Airbnb at Usher's Quay in Dublin's city centre. READ MORE She was 19 at the time and was working in Dublin, while Yungman was 25 years old. In Paris they had consensual sex, but Yungman had told her to take a deep breath before he placed a hand on her neck, causing her to pass out. Yungman later explained to her this was a technique he did when he was having sex. He said when a person passes out it feels like you have taken drugs, adding that it was normal and suggested it could be addictive. The woman told him she was scared by it. They met in a Dublin Airbnb the following June. They had consensual sexual activity before Yungman raped the woman. He placed his arms around her neck and squeezed hard. She tried to keep his arms away from her but she could not move out. The woman later told gardaí she could not cope with it and asked him to 'please stop' telling him 'my body cannot take it'. Yungman said he would give her a break and they could go back to it later. Kevin Yungman has been sentenced to a five year jail term after pleading guilty to one charge of rape. Photograph: Broward County Sheriff's Office Detective Garda Kerrie Sullivan told Anne Rowland, senior prosecuting counsel, that Yungman was questioned by gardaí immediately after the rape when he was stopped at Dublin Airport. He strenuously denied choking the woman and said any activity was consensual. He was released without charge after questioning and was permitted to return to the US pending direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The court heard the plea was acceptable to the DPP and was based on this rape. In a statement to the court, the woman described experiencing panic attacks, mood swings, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, dysfunctional relationships and losing her faith in God. 'At 19, I didn't properly understand what was happening,' said the woman, who had just lost both of her parents. 'In hindsight, I was vulnerable when I met him and he saw this in me ... This was manipulation and not my fault,' she said. 'When I truly felt alive again, was when I heard him say the word 'guilty',' the woman said, adding that 'instantly life felt colourful again'. She outlined an incident where Yungman had sex with the woman on the sofa in the Dublin apartment after she told him she did not want to do anything. Yungman's mother took the stand, telling the woman: 'From the deepest place in my heart, and as a mam and as a woman, I want to say sorry. There is nothing that I can say that is going to erase the pain. I want you to know that I heard every word that you said and I feel your pain'. She said she taught her children the difference between right and wrong, and 'what happened to you should not happen to anyone'. 'I believe in accountability and that every wrongdoing must have a consequence. He needed to acknowledge his actions,' she said. The thought of her son being in an Irish prison while she is in America is 'breaking my heart', she said, but 'even in our pain we understand that justice must be served'. 'Even in our pain we know we stand behind the truth and we know this is the truth. I pray every day that you heal from this,' she said. Mr Justice Tony Hunt said it was very unusual in a case such as this for a parent to take the stand and address the court in this manner. He said: 'Your son is very fortunate'. The judge imposed a sentence of six years with the final year suspended on strict conditions. He backdated this to August 2024, when Yungman went into custody in the US.
