What springs to mind whenever we mention Marty Morrissey? Respected and admired broadcaster? Sure. Former Clare inter-county footballer? Maybe. Widely known celebrity and superstar across the land? Surely.
Well, no, actually.
Shockingly, not everyone on the island is as familiar with Marty as they should be. One would have thought that every man, woman and child the length and breadth of the island - indeed, the globe - would be familiar with RTE's finest, especially after his incredible pre-All-Ireland hurling final commentary had the nation's collective lip wobbling.
SEE ALSO: From Camels To Croke Park: Marty Morrissey In Pictures
Marty's fame has failed to reach certain parts of the North, it would shockingly seem - despite his best efforts. Declan Bogue has written a brilliant piece in the Belfast Telegraph where he interviews Shane McNaughton, the former Antrim hurler who is now pursuing an acting career in New York.
As part of its All-Ireland club championship coverage, RTE once sought to do a piece with McNaughton. McNaughton says that Marty went to play the 'Big Time Charlie' card, only to fail miserably.
Bogue writes:
Two weeks before, the cream of RTE came up to Belfast to do an off-beat piece on the hurling actor.
Famous GAA commentator Marty Morrissey was there and bounded up to the receptionist at The Mac Theatre asking if they could shoot some scenes of Shane onstage. As impressive as Marty's clout is, with one flag at the Glastonbury Festival sporting his visage last summer, it didn't stretch to the world of Belfast drama.
"He actually used the 'do you know who I am?' line," howled McNaughton as we spoke in a Cathedral Quarter coffee shop.
"I was like: 'All right Marty, I am away here!'"
Though he'd be worshipped recognised in most corners of this island, even Marty's fame has its limits. We'll know the GAA has gone truly global when Marty's notoriety extends to Belfast theatre officials, but no doubt he's learnt his lesson.
Stick to the Falls Road, Marty.
McNaughton is a fascinating character and it's a great interview with Bogue. Read it here.
