Graham Geraghty is in a reflective mode. The new TG4 Laochra Gael series begins this month and Geraghty will feature.
His career spans 28 years and includes a minor All-Ireland, a U21 All-Ireland, All-Stars, Leinster titles and county titles. Towards its tail end, at the ripe old age of 40-years-old, it also featured a brief Sigerson Cup cameo.
I was about 90 at the time, was I? Ah no, I went back to college late, obviously. It was great to play. I didn’t play Trench cup, but I did play Sigerson.
Geraghty's appreciates the longevity afforded to him but feels a similar opportunity isn't available to the modern player. The programme gave him an opportunity to reflect on it all, which was a blessing and a curse.
It’s different now. I played that long, a longer career then because there weren’t so much demands. There would be things you’d forget and others you’d want to forget! Some personal things were hard to talk about, but when it's over you will be delighted you done it. Just bit apprehensive to see (it.)
When asked what advice he had for his younger self, Geraghty had one crucial bit of advice: 'Keep your mouth shut.'
I suppose you are probably too young to remember my earlier career, but I would be always be giving out to referees or getting involved in things I shouldn’t of have been or saying stuff I shouldn’t have said.
Geraghty famously was referenced by Alex Ferguson after an impressive Meath performance, something that ultimately led to a trial at Arsenal.
My Dad was a big United fan or still is he was obviously delighted with that remark I’m a Liverpool man, so it didn’t really matter too much to me!
It’s always nice to be recognised by someone of his stature and that probably lead to me getting a trial at Arsenal a few weeks after that. It’s always nice to get compliments from somebody who is probably one of the best managers in the world.
Overall the Meath man is happy he engaged in the process.
I suppose it was great looking back on it now. I’m just looking forward to seeing the whole thing unedited and trying to remember what I said and what I didn’t say. When I see it I’ll say ‘Jesus, I didn’t mean to say that.’
It’s a fantastic programme it is great to be asked to do it and I suppose when I see the whole thing in full and look back and see it put together it’ll be nice to have it in the archives, down the years when I’m grey and old. I’m looking forward to looking at the other shows more so than my own, (I’ll) grin and bare and try get through.
