World famous sports star comes to Galway Races as 'grandfather lived in Ballybrit'

Ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown said Galway Races was a tradition as a young boy back in the day which he has carried through into his adult life.

The three time Premier League winner told RTE: “My grandfather lived in Ballybrit in the cottages just across from the racecourse, so we were here every year on the ferry over from England. They were great days. My sister lives here now, so I’m over visiting.”

He also said that even though “Galway’s my county” he said that he was happy that our neighbours got over the line.

“I [did watch the All Ireland Final]. I watched Mayo win. Galway’s my county, but nevertheless, I was pleased for Mayo after 75 years without winning it,” Keown said.

He continued: “I thought in the end they were going to throw it away, but they were the better team all the way through.

“You saw the emotion of the fans, that young 18-year-old out on the wing, it all just came together for them.

“The game’s changed a lot. I played a little bit of Gaelic football myself as a kid; it was a lot rougher then, a lot more physical, but it’s changed.

“There should be a time penalty, though, for each team – you can’t just keep passing it. Let’s give them two minutes, and if they don’t shoot at goal, let’s change the rules.”

Keown complimented Mayo for “not wasting time when they went in front” adding that it was “great craic to watch”.

He finished: “I think it’s quite unique to the Irish, what they’re able to produce.

“Australian rules are similar, but not the same, so it’s a little bit special and it means a whole lot to the Irish people.”