Episode 1948: Jerry Kiernan – Ireland Says Goodbye To A Great Athlete, Analyst, Coach And Contrarian
‘He taught me who I was and made me the athlete I am today, but also the person I am today.’
There will be a few people who walk through your life and leave lasting footprints in your heart. Jerry Kiernan was one of those people. I feel truly blessed and privileged to have been able to call him my coach and friend.
Thank you Jerry, for everything. pic.twitter.com/FaxJPd27v0
— Ciara Mageean (@ciaramageean) January 21, 2021
We’re joined today by two-time European medallist Ciara Mageean to speak about the life of her mentor and dear friend Jerry Kiernan, who has passed away at the age of 67. Jerry – whose own athletic career saw him win national titles from the 1500m to the marathon and finish 9th in the marathon at the 1984 Olympics – was probably best known for his excellent punditry work on RTÉ in later years, but he also coached extensively.
How incredibly cool is it to see two Irish vests in the leading pack in the Olympic marathon? After more than 20 miles on the streets of Los Angeles?! RIP Jerry Kiernan, we’ll pay tribute on tomorrow’s show ???? pic.twitter.com/DuUVbN4ntb
— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) January 21, 2021
In a touching chat, Ciara describes the impact he had on her athletic career, as well as how their relationship developed to the point where she came to see him as a father figure and one of the single most important people in her life.
We also revisit some of Eoin and Jerry’s verbal spars down the years and analyse why a Listowel man like Jerry would be inclined to take agin’ the GAA.
©INPHO/James Crombie
Plus there’s a triumphant return for Frances Murphy’s TV Guide to the weekend and Neil “Franno” Francis is worried Leinster will be chopped up and put in an Irish rugby blender, for the greater good. Does socialism work, Ken?
“Munster have the wind in their sails right now and all the pressure is on them to produce a winning performance. Time to deliver.”
– Neil Francishttps://t.co/0xbXB6Iq7g— Independent Sport (@IndoSport) January 21, 2021
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Lockdown bringing out some stunning and important work from our members https://t.co/OFiZ23RFw5
— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) January 21, 2021
Go to PatreonDue to the importance of the subject matter & the huge reaction to @fionndavenport‘s story, we have decided to make last week’s pod on the Mother & Baby Homes accessible to all. Thanks again to Fionn & all our members for their support. Listen now below?https://t.co/eoIN9UqVzR pic.twitter.com/wSsgO0SKZX
— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) January 19, 2021