A special documentary aired on WLR on Monday, February 10th celebrating 25 Years of John Francis O’Shea - the man from Ferrybank who went on to become a world-renowned footballing hero.
Over the course of two hours, John joined Jordan Norris in studio to take a trip down memory lane and to look back at all of his incredible achievements down the years, since first taking to the field for Manchester United in October 1999.
From his early days at Ferrybank, moving across to Bohemians and underage European successes with Ireland, right up to his stellar professional career where he won 14 major trophies - ‘The Last Leg: 25 Years of John O’Shea’ is a celebration of a wonderful quarter century at the top of the game, and serves as a perfect overture for what the next 25 years will bring.
With contributions from former Manchester United teammates such as Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown, Irish perspectives from Brian Kerr, Daryl Murphy and more - and stories of childhood beginnings recounted first hand from Ferrybank’s Val Power and Mick Lynch and Bohemians’ Noel Lavery and Ritchie Elliott, alongside archive interviews conducted by the late great Eddie Wymberry of WLR - this is the definitive account of how John went from Abbeylands to all over the world playing the beautiful game.
Reflecting on his career, John O’Shea said: “It’s been incredible. That’s where I’d have to say a big thank you to my family and the people around me. They’re a huge part of why I’ve been able to be involved in successful teams or doing OK internationally. I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the support of family and friends behind me too. I think that’s why you always appreciate the people you have around you and what they allow you to do - to go and drive on and follow your dreams and ambitions. A huge thank you to my family friends behind it all.”
Jordan Norris said: “Looking back over the last 25 years with John O’Shea has been a genuine privilege. Growing up a Manchester United fan from Waterford, the opportunity to meet with John and to spend an hour in his presence was an honour. His career is right up there with the very best ever of any Irish footballer and is deserving of recognition and applause. I hope the next 25 years bring John every success on the opposite side of the line.”
‘The Last Leg: 25 Years of John O’Shea’ is available now by clicking the link here - or wherever you get your podcasts.
