MariborKev

’m a big fan of podcasts, none more so that those produced by RTÉ, so I was intrigued when I saw a podcast called “Are you Tony Sheridan?” appear on the list of Documentary on One list.

As a League of Ireland fan, I immediately though of the mercurial Shelbourne legend of the mid nineties but unfortunately it turned about that the programmes was dedicated to another interesting Tony Sheridan, whom the Beatles were a backing band. You can find out about “the other Tony Sheridan” and you can listen to the programme here.

The real Tony Sheridan was the feature of the MNS “Cult Heroes” segment this season and was a player who left a real impression on me. I was in my early teens when Sheridan returned to play in the League and his ridiculous talent, coupled with the Britpop image meant that he was a real hero to me.

I always remember a wonderful mazy run that Sheridan set off on during a game in Tolka in the 96/97. Ten years later Paddy McCourt showed the same skill as he ghosted past people. However as a teenager Sheridan was class to watch, he had a seemingly “don’t give a ****” attitude to the game. He developed a shaggy haircut, pulled his sleeves down but when he got the ball it could be magic to watch.

As a Derry fan I have been lucky enough to watch the talents of players like Coyle and McCourt. Indeed fans of every club may have a “legend”, a players whose very talent leaves you wanting more. Damien Richardson once called Sheridan the most technically gifted player ever to turn out in the League of Ireland. Surely a player of that talent deserves a RTÉ Radio 1 show all of their own…..