Jackie Tyrrell has launched his campaign to make the Sunday Game couch with his RTÉ punditry debut last weekend.
A sackful of All-Ireland medals, the reputation as a teak-tough defender and a lifetime of anecdotes – Tyrrell is still entering a crowded marketplace.
King Henry Shefflin is front and centre of the Sunday Game couch, while SportsJOE’s JJ Delaney is sitting pretty on the Sky Sports bar stools – so a third Cat will have to work hard to make his way into the summer primetime.
Beyond his obvious hurling qualifications, Tyrrell brings another weapon. A sense of style.
Well, we all have our off days.
But the James Stephens clubman has carved out a niche for himself as a bit of a hurling fashionisto and he was signed up last year as an ambassador for hurling championship sponsors Littlewoods.
The Sunday Game studio has become something of a catwalk in recent years. with tuxedos, dickie bows and all manner of menswear-sponsored get-ups appearing on Ireland’s flagship sports show.
With this in mind, Tyrrell went bald-headed for his League Sunday bow alongside Liam Sheedy.
Really enjoyed @LeagueSundayRTE with @LiamLsheedy he robbed us in 2010 & now he robs my socks. Thanks @LittlewoodsIRL for the classy suit pic.twitter.com/whHj8vBFoG
— Jackie Tyrrell (@MrJackieTee) February 12, 2017
Smart blue suit, dark waistcoat, white shirt and autumnal tie (yeah, we said autumnal). So slick was Tyrrell’s ensemble he decided to forego socks.
This did not go unnoticed by his former Kilkenny team-mate Delaney on Monday’s GAA Hour Hurling show, while Damien Hayes also weighed in with a view on Tyrrell’s lack of socks.
“I have to say, I don’t understand the concept of no socks. he would want to be careful, he will surely catch a flu,” said Hayes.
“What we’re talking about is proper socks,” added the former Galway forward. “I am a country fella and we wear socks.”
So, there you have it. Does one have to be from an urban area to go without socks?
Listen to the whole show below, including a great interview with Wexford’s Lee Chin and a look back on the opening round of National league fixtures. Alternatively, subscribe on iTunes.
