A veil of sadness has fallen over County Limerick following the tragic passing of Ruth Staunton
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16 Mar 2026
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16 Mar 2026
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Cheltenham Festival might be all about jumps racing for most punters, but for Tipperary GAA fans, the real highlight came courtesy of two Premier County hurling icons who turned an ITV Racing interview into pure gold.
READ NEXT: Tipperary stave off the threat of relegation with great fightback in Waterford
Hurling royalty Nicky English — the six-time All-Star forward, two-time All-Ireland winner as a player (1989, 1991), and All-Ireland-winning manager in 2001 — was on hand at the famous Gloucestershire track last week, soaking up the atmosphere and supporting horses with Tipperary connections.
Joined by his old teammate and fellow Tipperary legend Joe Hayes, the pair were approached by ITV Racing for a quick chat. What followed was classic inter-county banter that has since gone viral on social media, racking up hundreds of thousands of views and plenty of laughs across Ireland.
In the short clip shared by ITV Racing, the interviewer heaps praise on English, highlighting his incredible achievements and status as one of the greatest forwards the game has ever seen, building him up as true "hurling royalty."
But Joe Hayes — never one to let a bit of slagging go by — wasn't having any of it. With a trademark grin and perfect comic timing, he leans in and delivers the knockout line: "Nicky was overrated!"
The deadpan delivery, followed by laughter and English's trademark modest, unflappable reaction, is comedy perfection. English, as always, takes it in his stride — staying diplomatic and unassuming while Hayes milks the moment for all it's worth.
One fan reply summed it up perfectly: "Nicky as always very unassuming & diplomatic. Super hurler. Joe with the gags & the washing hanging out "The clip has sparked a wave of affection for both men. Replies poured in calling English a "boyhood hero," a "legend," and even "God" among Tipperary supporters.
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