Shay Given's book has been released and Irish football fans all over the country are enjoying learning more about the man who was our last line of defence for a staggering 134 international caps.
We had heard about his take on Saipan and his departure from Celtic before the book was released, but since getting stuck in ourselves there have been countless things we've learned about Shay and Irish football in general.
One story tickled our interest in particular regarding former Leeds United full-back Gary Kelly. We've heard many times about how he was the one trying to lighten the mood in Saipan, and have heard stories that suggested he was great fun on a night out, but Shay Given did a better job of any at getting across just how much of a character Kelly was.
Given described Gary Kelly as 'bananas' and recalled times when he hijacked the horse-and-carriages in Temple Bar, when he wasn't just launching himself into a hedge for the entertainment of others.
Gary Kelly would also turn out to be one of the funniest people in the Irish set-up. He is bananas. Ian Harte is his nephew and it was madness when they were out together. Hartey would do whatever Gary did, he was like his shadow. It was hilarious to watch.
In Dublin one night, Gary jumped on one of the horse and carts that takes tourists round the city. He had this dirty looking blanket on his head, whipping the horse as he whizzed around Temple Bar with passengers on board.
He also had this thing about running into hedges for no reason, just for the craic, just to get a laugh. He’d get out of a taxi, spot a hedge and he’d be off, full pelt into it. He’d wrestle himself out of it, about 20 minutes later, bruised and bloodied, his shirt all ripped, with this stupid smile on his face.
When he got married, I’d had a knee operation about three days before. At the reception he had everybody up, shirts off, trousers rolled up, doing this mad Riverdance-style jig around the reception area. I didn’t fancy any of that, I was on crutches but he still dragged me up. I had no choice! He’s such an outgoing character who is great to have around.
It sounds very much like Gary Kelly is someone who has benefitted from playing Premier League football in the era without smartphones and social media, as we know ourselves that footage of the Leeds and Ireland fullback hurling himself into a bush to get a few laughs would be viral in hours.
Given repeatedly stressed that he believes the Irish teams he played in achieved their outstanding team-spirit thanks to be allowed to socialise and enjoy a few drinks - without letting things get too out of hand - when the squad would meet up.
A happy team off the pitch is a better team on the pitch, and that is something the current Ireland squad have echoed in recent times. Every team needs a Gary Kelly, who sounded very much like the 'wildcard' of the group.
Given's book 'Any Given Saturday' is available now from places that sell books.
