Shay Given

Shay Given is a former professional Irish footballer and has since become the goalkeeper coach at Derby County football club. Having played both club and international football for over fifteen years, Shay is one of Ireland’s best ever goalkeepers, who has recently begun to give entertaining and inspirational after dinner speeches.

Representing his country on 134 occasions in the Republic of Ireland senior squad, Given firmly secured his membership to the FIFA Century Club. Making his debut in 1996, having played for the under 21 team, Given established himself as a first choice goalkeeper. Throughout the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Given played every game as their keeper and represented the country again in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and the same competition in 2010. Another great achievement was competing for England to secure a place in the UEFA Euro 2012 championship.

Starting his prolific career at the Celtics, after being scouted for their youth team at just fourteen, Given proved his move to Blackburn Rovers two years later, was a good one. In his first season Given contributed to the team’s Premier League win, however, his position was over filled and he was consequently loaned to Swindon and Sunderland. Impressing Newcastle United’s manager, Given was signed for the team in 1997.

At the top of his game, Shay Given thrived as the goalkeeper for Newcastle, coming runners up in the 1998 and 1999 FA Cup final as well as being a part of the ‘Premier League Team of the Season’ for the 2001 and 2005 seasons. He became the first choice goalkeeper for the team and played in the finals of UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cups.

After 12 successful years at Newcastle United, Given transferred to Manchester City, and was awarded Man of the Match for his first appearance in the squad. In 2009, Given was named the Premier League Goalkeeper of the Noughties by the Daily Telegraph and got the prestigious captains armband for a period. For the remained of his sensational career, Given spent seven years between Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, and Stoke City. Announcing his retirement in 2018, Given was awarded the Donegal Person of the Year in Dublin award, before accepting the position as goalkeeper coach at Derby County.

Speaking of his time as the second most capped footballer in Ireland, Shay Given entertains audiences with his tales from his time on the pitch. He covers, drive, determination, teamwork and sporting success as part of his engaging and humorous talks.