What inspires our sporting heroes? Each week they take us back to the moment they were first hooked, and on through the successes and heartbreaks of their lives and careers.
Best of Sportsound Meets 2022
Another chance to hear from our sporting heroes as they look back on their careers; Former Man Utd and Newcastle player Keith Gillespie remembers his Premier League playing days. FIFA's Sara Booth shares her pride in the current Northern Ireland women's team. Former US gymnast Katelyn Ohashi took the internet by storm with her perfect 10 floor routine at the 2019 Collegiate Challenge. Jamie Hamilton suffered a near-fatal crash at the Isle of Man TT in 2015 and shares his story of resilience and recovery. And rugby's Jonny Bell's reaction when a young Brian O’Driscoll arrived to Ireland training one day
8/6/2022 • 56 minutes, 46 seconds
Sportsound Meets Michael McKillop
Paralympic athlete Michael McKillop talks about his Paralympic gold medal successes, as well as the mental health difficulties he faced off the track
7/30/2022 • 52 minutes, 31 seconds
Sportsound Meets Keith Gillespie
Former Manchester United & Newcastle United player Keith Gillespie looks back at the decisions that shaped his life on and off the pitch. Part of the Class of ’92, he made his senior debut for the Red Devils at 17 years old, before Sir Alex Ferguson negotiated his contract move to Newcastle United just 18 months later. He went on to become one of ‘The Entertainers’ who came so close to clinching the Premier League. Off the pitch he struggled with a gambling addiction that saw him declared bankrupt in 2010. This week Sportsound Meets Keith Gillespie.
7/23/2022 • 51 minutes, 54 seconds
Sportsound Meets Jonny Bell
Former Ulster and Ireland rugby player Jonny Bell shares his memories of winning the School’s Cup in ’92, being the ‘Golden Boy’ at Ulster, losing his Ireland spot to Brian O’Driscoll, and hanging up his boots to become a coach.
7/16/2022 • 52 minutes, 32 seconds
Sportsound Meets Pur Biel
Pur Biel was a member of the first ever Olympics Refugee Team competing at Rio 2016, and is the first refugee member of the International Olympic Committee. He shares his experience of fleeing war-torn South Sudan as a child, spending a decade in a Kenyan refugee camp, and shedding tears for only the second time in his life as he walked out at the Rio Olympics opening ceremony.
7/9/2022 • 39 minutes, 46 seconds
Sportsound Meets Sara Booth
Thomas Kane travels to the home of world football, FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, to meet with Head of Women’s Football Competitions Sara Booth. 32 international caps for Northern Ireland and an MBE for services to women’s football, Sara looks back on her life and career, and the struggles she faced on her journey.
7/2/2022 • 50 minutes, 35 seconds
Sportsound Meets Gerry Armstrong
25th June 1982 - Gerry Armstrong scores the winning goal in Northern Ireland’s 1-0 win over tournament hosts Spain in the World Cup group stages. He shares his memories of that day, and of his overall career in this week’s Sportsound Meets.
6/25/2022 • 50 minutes, 8 seconds
Sportsound Meets Willie Anderson
From early days on the farm to going toe-to-toe with the All Blacks at Lansdowne Road, to a prank gone wrong in South America, former Ireland and Ulster captain Willie Anderson on how rugby was his passport to the world
6/18/2022 • 48 minutes, 58 seconds
Sportsound Meets Joe Kernan
Former Armagh manager who led the team to All Ireland success in 2002 opens up about the ups and downs of his beloved sport
6/4/2022 • 52 minutes, 43 seconds
Sportsound Meets Katelyn Ohashi
Former US gymnast Katelyn Ohashi shares her experience of elite gymnastics and the pressures it brings, including body shaming and injury. She gave up her elite career and joined UCLA Bruins, with her 2019 Collegiate Challenge floor routine gaining over 250 million online views and catapulting her to international fame.
5/28/2022 • 44 minutes, 32 seconds
Sportsound Meets Jamie Hamilton
Crossing the finish line. Scoring that first goal. Landing the knockout blow. What inspires our sporting heroes? Each week in an extended interview they take us back to the moment they were first hooked, and we journey with them through the successes and heartbreaks of their lives and careers.
*Please note this programme has been edited since transmission.
5/21/2022 • 48 minutes, 14 seconds
Sportsound Meets
Crossing the finish line. Scoring that first goal. Landing the knockout blow. What inspires our sporting heroes? Each week in an extended interview they take us back to the moment they were first hooked, and we journey with them through the successes and heartbreaks of their lives and careers.
5/13/2022 • 4 minutes, 34 seconds
Sportsound Meets Peter Canavan
Former Tyrone Gaelic footballer and two-time All-Ireland winner Peter Canavan looks back on the highs and lows of his life and career.
8/14/2021 • 43 minutes, 2 seconds
Sportsound Meets Ian Baraclough
Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough on the complexities of management
8/7/2021 • 38 minutes, 23 seconds
Sportsound Meets John Carlos
As Dr John Carlos stood on the winners podium at the 1968 Olympics, alongside Tommie Smith he raised a fist above his head. The image has become one of the most iconic in sport and history.
7/31/2021 • 50 minutes, 42 seconds
Sportsound Meets Stephen Martin & Jimmy Kirkwood
1988 Olympic gold medallists Stephen Martin & Jimmy Kirkwood remember their hockey career
7/24/2021 • 41 minutes, 41 seconds
Sportsound Meets Richard Johnson
Four-time British champion jump jockey Richard Johnson on an exceptional racing career.
7/17/2021 • 42 minutes, 55 seconds
Sportsound Meets Carl Frampton
In one of his first in-depth interviews since retiring, two-weight World Champion Carl Frampton gives an insight into an unforgettable career. For his fanatical following, he was a working class hero who became a global star. From humble beginnings in Tigers Bay, the Belfast fighter topped the bill in the likes of Las Vegas, New York and, of course, his own city.
7/10/2021 • 46 minutes, 33 seconds
Sportsound Meets Ann & Angela Downey
Camogie legends Ann & Angela Downey on their love of the sport & challenges faced
7/3/2021 • 48 minutes, 54 seconds
Sportsound Meets Sammy McIlroy
Northern Ireland and Manchester United legend Sammy McIlroy shares his memories of playing under the great Matt Busby and alongside George Best.
6/26/2021 • 51 minutes, 41 seconds
Sportsound Meets Vera Pauw
Republic of Ireland women’s manager Vera Pauw shares memories of her playing career, where she gained 89 caps for the Netherlands, her move into coaching, and how she believes mixed gender training for young boys and girls is the way forward.
6/19/2021 • 49 minutes, 6 seconds
Sportsound Meets Joy Neville
Former Ireland rugby player Joy Neville shares her memories of winning the Grand Slam in 2013, the phone-call that changed her life and breaking down barriers at every turn.
6/12/2021 • 46 minutes, 44 seconds
Sportsound Meets Jonathan Rea
Six-time World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea on how things are in slow-motion when travelling at 200mph, and how he tries not to dwell on the dangers of his sport