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Weeshie Fogarty
A Profile of the Voice behind Radio Kerry's Terrace Talk

Since Terrace Talk first went on air on Radio Kerry four years ago, Weeshie Fogarty has been it's presenter as it brought the best of sporting topics to the people of Kerry and beyond. His vast knowledge of all sports has helped make the programme one of the most popular on local radio and this was recognosed two years ago when it was awarded the GAA's prestigious McNamee award as the best in the 32 counties.

Weeshie Fogarty
Weeshie Fogarty's own sporting background makes fascinating reading. Reared in the beautiful town of Killarney, recognised as one of the world's premier tourist attractions, he became the first footballer from that region to play for the county of Kerry in gaelic football as minor, under 21, junior & senior grade. He helped Kerry to a 21st senior all Ireland victory in 1969 and played in America and Australia as the county toured the world in the following year.

 

He has won every honour with his club Killarney Legion and has trained his club sides to countless East Kerry and County League titles. A member of the famous East Kerry County championship winning side of 1965, '68, '69 and '70, he also holds an All-Ireland club medal with that team.

 

A top class referee, he has officiated at the highest level and has also represented his county in basketball at all grades. A fanatic Manchester United follower since 1956, he visits Old Trafford at least once a year. Terrace Talk, he points out, covers all sports and he cites his interviews with Harry Gregg, Charlie Haughey, John B. Keane, Mick O' Connell, Jimmy Magee, Brendan Kennelly, Ronnie Delaney and the late Paddy Casey as among his favourites. "I consider myself a very fortunate person to be in a position to sit down and interview such legendary figures, as it preserves a vital part of our country's history."

 

Christened Aloysius, his shortened version, Weeshie, came about when his young pals in lower New Street Killarney of the 40's and 50's failed to pronounce what he terms the "posh" Aloysius.

 

He retired in 1998 from his post as a nursing officer at St.Finian's Psychiatric Hospital, Killarney, following 30 years in that profession - a lifetime dealing with the mentally ill which he says was a "humbling and enriching experience". Married to Joan, he has two daughters and one son.

Broadcasting Terrace Talk from New York

 

There's no doubt that when Paul Sheehan and Seamus O' Mahoney asked him to present Terrace Talk, they knew full well that in Weeshie, they had a man whose sporting interests were nothing short of fanatical.

 

As he says of this website, it is another chapter in what has been a eventful life, and he counts himself so fortunate to have met Siobhan Walsh, Shaun O' Connor and sponsor Bill Kirby, three people without whom this site would not have been possible. "My wish," he says, "is that people all over the world will get great benefit from the site, and that it will help to forge many new sporting relationships around the world."

 

Weeshie Fogarty has had a long, rich sporting life. Now, he prepares to share his legion of memories with fans around the world.