Indo GAA · Irish Independent

Colm Parkinson in studio | Never shirking conflict, the issue with GAA coverage, making his mark in media 🏐

·1 hr 16 min·5 clips

Colm Parkinson explains why he never shies from strong opinions, even when it means being hated.

This episode features host Conor in conversation with former Laois Gaelic footballer and current media personality Colm "Wooly" Parkinson. Parkinson is known for his direct opinions, a checkered inter-county career, and his successful transition into punditry and podcasting. The discussion traces his journey from a talented but controversial player to an independent media operator. Parkinson recounts winning a Leinster minor title in 1996 and a Sigerson Cup with Tralee IT in 1999, where he was a teammate of future Donegal manager Jim McGuinness. He describes his senior Laois career as "checkered," marked by frequent fallouts with managers like Tom Cribben, Colm Browne, Mick O'Dwyer, and Justin McNulty. In 2004, as Laois captain, he controversially went traveling to Southeast Asia for seven weeks between winning a Leinster title and an All-Ireland semi-final. He played club football for Parnells in Dublin, observing an influx of transfers that changed the team's dynamic, though he attributes the club's later collapse to business mismanagement, not player payments. A 2011 post-match interview on Newstalk's *Off The Ball*, where he criticized his Portlaoise managers, led to a decade-long suspension from his club. He reflects that his playing "drug" was the action on the field, leading him to leave panels rather than stay as a disgruntled substitute. Parkinson credits former Laois manager Liam Kearns for being "man enough" to have heated arguments and then resume normal conversation the next day. He admits that missing a crucial, mishit shot in the 2004 All-Ireland club final loss to Ballina Stephenites is a moment that still keeps him awake at night. Regarding Parnells, he clarifies that while there were "silly" expenses for transfers, the club's ultimate failure stemmed from an inability to run its bar and restaurant business, exacerbated by COVID-19. The tone is relaxed, candid, and conversational, with Parkinson offering unfiltered reflections on his past decisions and conflicts. Listeners interested in Gaelic football history, especially the personalities and internal dramas of 2000s-era teams, will find this compelling. Those seeking only analysis of current GAA events or who prefer less introspective, controversy-averse guests might choose to skip it.

As heard by us

Colm Parkinson's medals, rows, and stubborn streak make for a sharp GAA listen.

Colm Parkinson reads as a footballer who has carried his arguments for a long time, with medals, club and county success, a Sigurdsson Cup with Tralee IT, and repeated run ins with managers.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

For when you want a straight-talking GAA voice with the clips and the fallout.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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