While Ireland slept-walked to victory against Moldova tonight, Colm 'The Gooch' Cooper was in Montrose to discuss retirement and his new book with Tubs. The controversial Gooch Testimonial was raised, and Cooper offered his side to the story.
In what can only be described as sympathetic interview from Tubridy, Cooper said he had considered holding the testimonial before his retirement and that Joe Brolly had texted him to apologise for the media dust-up.
Here's a transcript of Cooper's explanation of the testimonial:
I had been to Brian O'Driscoll's testimonial. I had been to Ronan O'Gara's in Cork. And I just thought they were brilliant nights, so well done, a celebration of sport more than anything else...So I said to myself why shouldn't a GAA player be able to have one, because GAA players are admired in this country as much as rugby players or football players.
I've been amazed at the response.
Joe Brolly sent me a text this week to say 'sorry about all the fuss. I wish there wasn't reaction that there was, and that it's gone overboard'. So he's apologised and obviously changed his tune since and he fully respects that I'm entitled to have a testimonial night if I want.
There's dinner dances, there's player ambassadors so unfortunately for the GAA there are players earning money, so if that's the argument I don't really get it.
There's over 450 people coming over for it, from the US and Australia. This could be the first of many.
We don't think Brolly will be pleased to say that he's 'changed his tune' but perhaps this puts Testimonialgate to bed once and for all.
Cooper also explained how he coped with the death of his father in 2006.
The shock is incredible, you never think it is going to arrive at your doorstep - @colmcooper13 on coping with his father's death #latelate pic.twitter.com/SAdE6JSvim
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) October 6, 2017
