Episode 1281: The Player’s Chair With Brian Lenihan
**NOTE: This was initially a World Service members-only show broadcasted first on 2nd of October 2018. We have decided to re-publish the podcast today, the 4th of October, with the support of our members. For independent, member-led journalism like this in the future, please join the Second Captains World Service. Enjoy the show and thanks to all our members as always.**
On the World Service today we have one of the most impactful interviews we’ve ever done.
©INPHO/Steve Langan
It’s the story of former professional footballer Brian Lenihan who played with Cork City before getting a move to Hull City and winning a call-up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad in 2014.
In April of this year, aged just 23, Brian was forced to retire from football for his own wellbeing. And in the latest episode of The Player’s Chair, he opens up to Richie about the mental health issues that lay behind that decision to step away from the sport.
— Brian Lenihan (@brian_lenihan12) April 18, 2018
©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Brian reveals the difficulties he had in coming to terms with his injury, the suicidal thoughts he experienced, and the multiple sessions of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) he received as part of his treatment.
It’s a difficult, sometimes dark but compelling interview for The Player’s Chair. Brian hopes his openness will help others who may be going through similar difficulties.
If you are having your own struggles with your mental health, there are plenty of people you can talk to. Among them are the Samaritans – their phone number is 116 123 – or you could go onto their website www.samaritans.ie.
Click the image at the top of the page to play the show. Monday’s shows are free to all. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Richie Sadlier’s Player’s Chair, The Politics Podcast, and lots of added extras.
.@RichieSadlier and @PaulKimmage talk about the lingering influence of Paul’s dad who passed away in 2015, why Paul visited Tom Humphries in hospital and where the anger and passion, that drives so much of Paul’s best work in journalism, comes from ?????????https://t.co/Zj0E4kzjrr pic.twitter.com/FaU0cv5wdZ
— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) March 20, 2018
Today’s Football Show out NOW! Liverpool and Chelsea show you don’t have to hate each other to produce a brilliant football game, and we talk to Der Spiegel on the allegations against Ronaldo https://t.co/Ses81VHWMo pic.twitter.com/y5tobduq6k
— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) October 1, 2018
We talk to @HLNinEngeland about Eden Hazard. How is such extreme talent compatible with such a relaxed attitude? And where does Hazard see himself in the long-term? ???????????????https://t.co/6mxMxhbHJU pic.twitter.com/YRbYLdErK5
— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) September 27, 2018