Episode 45 - Colm Parkinson

The 738am podcast - talking to people about stuff

If you're a lover of sport and radio, you'll be well aware of today's guest. Colm Parkinson is a former Gaelic Footballer, turned broadcaster. He's part of the Off The Ball team on Newstalk every evening, and by his own admission he can be a bit divisive due to his forthright opinions. I spoke with him about his playing career; the difficulties of combining work, training and matches; how his personality got him into trouble with a series of managers and coaches – especially with Mick O'Dwyer; and his belief that he felt he knew best most of the time. Then we discuss his move into broadcasting, how the departure of the Second Captains crew from Newstalk opened a door for him, learning on the job despite some criticism, why he feels there's too much bonhomie between sports journalists when there should be more debate, and how his career almost took a complete left turn at one stage. This really is a good chat, I hope you enjoy it. You can follow Colm on Twitter @woolberto – and obviously catch him on the radio in the evenings.