Listen: Speech by Martin O'Neill on "being Irish"

With the huge news this week that Martin O'Neill is to take over as manager of the Republic of Ireland national side (with some Roy Keane lad as his number two), the country is pretty much split down the middle as to whether this is as good a recruitment by the FAI as it would have initially appeared.

One thing that isn't in doubt however, is the new gaffer's pride as an Irishman. If you needed more proof then look no further than this wonderful speech Martin O'Neill gave at Áras an Uachtaráin to then president Mary McAleese and a contingent of college students on what it means to him to be Irish, citing his Catholic upbringing in the North and his love for Gaelic football.

"I feel as Irish as the day I left. I feel as proud as the day I left. And that will never change."

Go raibh maith agaibh to @SecondCaptains for posting this earlier!