"Anyone who thinks I am gone is mistaken," - Tommy Smyth
Dundalk Democrat
'Legendary Commentator Hits Back '
By Gary McLaughlin
Knockbridge man and legendary ESPN commentator Tommy Smyth has hit back at a national newspaper which painted him out to be racist and also made the allegation that he was to be taken off the air.
Smyth, who moved to America in 1963, was lambasted by an article last week that included a number of quotes from people who openly despise the announcer. But the Knockbridge man has hit back and told the Dundalk Democrat that “Anyone who thinks I am gone is mistaken.”
He continued: “If you seen the article, they attacked my Louth accent, but why can't a Knockbridge man have a Louth accent? It was ridiculous.” The article also went on to mention that people openly despise Tommy's catchphrase 'One more bulge in the onion bag' and that he received death threats.
He continued: “If you seen the article, they attacked my Louth accent, but why can't a Knockbridge man have a Louth accent? It was ridiculous.” The article also went on to mention that people openly despise Tommy's catchphrase 'One more bulge in the onion bag' and that he received death threats.
“The story that appeared was originally supposed to be about my catchphrase but they tried to paint me out as a racist for some of the comments I made during my time but some of their facts were wrong.
“I try to make sure that my facts are correct at all times. People have their own opinions, but that article got a lot of facts wrong.
“Also If you have a couple of million people watching and 300 people write in complaining, then you are only talking about a small percentage of the audience.”
Smyth was awarded 'the highest honour any Irish man can have' when he led the New York St Patrick's Day parade as the Grand Marshal in 2008.
“Being the Grand Marshal is the biggest honour any Irish person can have bestowed on them.
“The stuff said in that article is a world away from football and they said my contract has been cancelled when in fact I just signed a new three year contract with ESPN. We still have La Liga, Serie A, World Cup, and a lot of other football shows that I present.”
“Being the Grand Marshal is the biggest honour any Irish person can have bestowed on them.
“The stuff said in that article is a world away from football and they said my contract has been cancelled when in fact I just signed a new three year contract with ESPN. We still have La Liga, Serie A, World Cup, and a lot of other football shows that I present.”
One comment that really got to Smyth was one that attributed him to this quote: 'If your cat had kittens inside an oven, would you call them scones?'" The article tried to say he was talking about a black Polish player Emmanuel Olisadebe. But Tommy insists the writer got his facts wrong. “I was on about English born players John Aldridge playing for Ireland, insisting that just because they were not born in Ireland, does not mean they are not Irish.”
“I am proud of my work and what I do and I will be around for a while yet. It is hard to knock down anyone from Knockbridge.”
“I am proud of my work and what I do and I will be around for a while yet. It is hard to knock down anyone from Knockbridge.”
Tommy Smyth Subject of Vicious Anti Irish Rant
(Previously Posted )
Louth native, New York Irish American and ESPN broadcaster Tommy Smyth has been the subject of a vicious verbal racist attack in The Sports Blog on guardian.co.uk, a website of the English newspaper, The Guardian.
In verbiage, the hallmark of the worst excesses of vitriolic anti- Irish hate language, spewed by Guardian "journalist" Steven Wells, Smyth's accent, Irish nationality, culture and years of Irish American activism were savagely denigrated. Criticising his broadcasting syle and perceived lack of soccer knowledge is fair comment, as Smyth, himself, who has endured the "slings and arrows" of being in the "Public Square" for many years, would no doubt concede. However, ridiculing his accent, demeaning his culture and nationality and by implication insulting all Irish expatriates who are proud of their roots and who refuse to suppress their "brogue", most certainly is not.
Wells conjured up two obviously insecure, self hating "Irish" men to throw the proverbial substance. Real or fictitious na buachailli also did not forgo an opportunity to take a swipe at the "thick . . . yanks". Of course, given the leftwing, anti American bent of The Guardian, that was to be expected. Cass Crockatt . . . Hmmm! Would he be one of the Crockatts of Ballygurteen or perhaps Teampalfeckin or Crois na Leanbh? Gleann na Phuca? You know the Crockatts . . . ? What! Never heard of . . .
Of course, it is unimaginable that Wells would spew similar invective regarding a Black or, indeed, Muslim broadcaster. Such is the sensitivity in the UK regarding not offending said demographics that Mr. Wells would quickly find himself seeking alternative employment. Judging by the intensity of recent Muslim protests, he would also be seeking a new identity. Oh why . . . oh but why . . . are the Irish not one of the protected species?
We are unequivocably supportive of the right of the hack to express himself. However, too often, the denizens of the Fourth Estate, arrogantly and mistakenly assume that doctrines like the First Amendment cloak them with immunity regarding their utterances and scratchings no matter how insulting or injurious. While said doctines give them right to rant, they do not absolve them of any repercussions. The immutable law of physics applies: "For every action there is a reaction."
And for those activists who exercise themsleves regarding the annual production of Leprechaun greeting cards, this is the real deal. Anti Irish racism, as bad as it gets! No mistakening the message! Tommy Smyth is a real Irish American, our friend and neighbor . . . to use an Irish colluquialism that is sure to further irritate Mr. Wells and his "Irish " co - conspriators . . . Tommy is one of our "lads"! - Irish American News & Opinion
"Amazing that in a sports setting that an English paper manages to be so anti Irish. OK, its fair game that you may disagree with Tommy's style or the way he does things. They managed under the guise of having an Irish guy make the statements to condemn Tommy's accent, the Saint Patrick's Day parade and pub culture. I guess the English will never change. They still hate to see an Irishman do well." - Tommy Smyth fan, New York
"Smyth's brogue, which is as powerful now as when Smyth emigrated to the U.S. in 1963. 'In each of the years that he's left County Louth, his accent has gotten stronger to such an extent that he's now 94% angry leprechaun . . . He almost makes me ashamed to be Irish. How to Jaysus does the Bollix keep his job. It goes to show how thick the yanks are.'" - Excerpt
"Smyth's brogue, which is as powerful now as when Smyth emigrated to the U.S. in 1963. 'In each of the years that he's left County Louth, his accent has gotten stronger to such an extent that he's now 94% angry leprechaun . . . He almost makes me ashamed to be Irish. How to Jaysus does the Bollix keep his job. It goes to show how thick the yanks are.'" - Excerpt
Read the rabid racist rant:
Protest to the UK Press Complaints Commission: complaints@pcc.org.uk
Protest to The Guardian: reader@guardian.co.uk
Attn: Siobhain Butterworth
35 comments:
What utter, hysterical, hyperbolic nonsense. The only people quoted in the article who made reference to Smyth's accent or irishness are themselves Irish.
if you doubt the existence of Mr. Cass Crockatt, why don't you put your doubts to the man himself on his website http://nomoreonionbags.com/blog/ where you will also find a contact email address.
Of course you could have found this out for yourself by clinking on the link in the Guardian article.
I take your apology as a given.
Steven:
Thanks for the feedback.
Let's be brutally honest here! You wrote the piece, you quoted the individuals - wherever you found them - and you wouldn't have written same about a broadcaster from a protected ethnic group.
I think you owe an apology to Tommy Smyth and, indeed, to other Irish expatriates.
Are you withdrawing your entirely unsubstantiated accusation that I manufactured quotes? Are you apologizing for making that accusation?
Come on, be a grown up.
The article is about the many voices that have been raised against Tommy Smyth. Some of those voices come from Irish people who find him embarrassing. One of those voices is the operator of the most prominent ant-Smyth site.
Why would I not have quoted him?
To draw from the fact that I quoted some Irish people who talked about Smyth's accent the conclusion that I am an anti-irish racist is a ridiculous stretch. You need to seriously rethink your blog.
Steven:
The adminstration of a website proves nationality! How? Cass Crockatt? You are kidding me?
Steven, your piece was so bizarre, it stretched credibility. Hence, my qualification, "real or fictitious".
The verbiage was not racist? You cant' be serious? You would not have written same about a protected ethnic group!
You need to think seriously about how you treat your subject matter. Criticize a man's ability by all means, but his ethnic background is off limits.
You really are flailing here.
I didn't criticize Smyth's ethnic background. Not once.
When you say I should apologize "to other irish expatriates", do you include in that number the Irish expats I accurately and fairly quoted, and whose comments you deem racist?
Have you contacted Mr. Crockatt yet to verify his Irishness? Or are you worried that your entire argument would collapse if you did?
Steven:
Learn from the experience! Now you are just backing yourself into a corner.
All the best!
And the next time you make unsubstantiated claims of racism, have the guts to put your name to the article. Toodle pip.
Steven:
Apologies, I thought my identity was quite evident from the blog. Patrick Hurley is the name. New York is the town.
Again, notwithstanding any assertions from me, your piece speaks for itself.
Slan a uasal,
Pat H.
Indeed, as does your persistent and frankly rather puzzling refusal to check your facts. It would be terribly easy.
Go on, drop Cass Crockatt a line. Ask him if he's real, What have you got to lose?
And while writing to Mr. Crockatt. don't forget to apologize for attacking his ethnicity. (Oh the irony).
On lkla Moor Baht 'at
S. Wells
Hi, I thought it only apt I enter the conversation:
To question my Irishness because of my name is really ignorant, stupid and incredibly ironic given the nature of your ranting. I expect that based on your comment "Criticize a man's ability by all means, but his ethnic background is off limits." you'll be making a quick and genuine apology to myself and any other Irish people whose name doesn't sound Irish enough to you.
I understand that it's possible for people to invent fake sources on the internet, but I think the fact that you accuse Steven of fabrication on multiple occasions despite him providing a very simple way for you to determine whether your accusations were baseless or not says a lot about your lack of journalistic integrity and on a personal level, your morals. Seriously, there's this thing called google and if you type my name into it you could pretty easily find out if I was real or not. Do you really think if an English journalist was inventing a fake Irish person to attribute quotes to he would pick the name Cass Crockatt?!?!?!?
Could you please enlighten me as to why you keep bringing up blacks and muslims? On one hand you seem to be saying that the sensitivy shown to these ethnic groups is over the top, but then you seem to contradict yourself by saying that you wish the same level of sensitivity was shown to the Irish. I personally find it kind of sick that you would try and equate the level of racism blacks and muslims have to deal with, with some crazy invented racism you're perceiving. Seriously, an Irishman in New York thinks his species (obviously didn't take biology for your Leaving) needs protection from racist abuse? Patrick, I can't think of many better things to be in New York than Irish, so if you're having trouble getting on with people, don't blame it on your nationality.
I would also like to point out something: In your ramblings, sorry, writings, you combined a quote from me and a quote from somebody else I'm not associated with so it looks like it's from the same person. I did not make the comment 'goes to show how thick the yanks are' nor do I agree with this comment.
I am real, I am Irish and I am irriated and sometimes even embarassed by Tommy Smyth. But he's a clownish Sports commentator who is well aware of how much he irritates many people and plays to this. I think all your crazy racism talk, baseless accusations, and offensive aspersions as to someone's nationality show that you really need to get a life and not take everything so seriously and personally. A pretty comical piece about a pretty comical personality with some pretty comical quotes was all it is.
Cass Crockatt (waiting for apology)
Is this Tommy Smyth guy even Irish at all or just a phony? I mean... "Smyth"? Would he be one of the Smyths of Ballygurteen or perhaps Teampalfeckin or Crois na Leanbh?
And really, would Steven Wells be throwing around lazy anti-Irish insults in the same workplace as (clearly somewhat Irish) Barry Glendenning and Paul Doyle, FFS?
Wait, Barry Glendenning is real? I thought he was a lazy Irish stereotype?
Steven, Cass, Adrian:
Good morning to you all.
Ah Adrian, a mhic, you are a bit confused!
The Smyths of Ballygurteen, they'd be related to the Donovans, I believe. Probably, distant cousins of Tommy alright.
Don't mention the Tempalfeckin crowd, or the "Black" Smyths, to Tommy. There was mad trouble over land years ago.
The Smyths of Crois na Leanbh, they'd be the "Granny" Smyths, the crowd with the orchards. Tommy'd be related to them going back.
Tommy is actually one of the Knockbridge Smyths.
Sure they are all one, if you went back far enough.
Lads, lads, lads . . . ye're unbelievable! What a hundred and eighty degree turn. From denigrating Tommy's ethnicity to questioning it.
Look, ye were caught with hands in the cookie jar. Learn from the experience and move on while ye have some integrtiy left.
For all ye're scratching and caoning about him, ye obviously don't know him. Believe me Tommy Smyth does not have to justify his Irishness to anybody.
Pat H.
New York
Pat H.
Cass, a bhuachaill:
Your claim to fame is that you run the leading "anti Tommy Smyth website" !!!! Like, isn't that kind of like stalking . . . except in cyberspace?
And I need to "get a life?"
Pat H.
New York
I made no such claim and if you bothered to even check the site once, you'd see that it was a comical soccer blog named in reference to a very famously annoying soccer commentator.
Nobody was questioning whether Tommy Smyth was Irish or not (throughout this whole conversation you have been the only person questioning nationality). I don't speak for Adrian Clark, but it's seems fairly obvious that he was making a point by using your same (name) logic to show you how ridiculous it is to question somebody's nationality based on their name. I think you missed the point.
There is one great achievement you should be proud of though. You managed to make 3 contradictory accusations in one post and managed to be wrong on all three of them! That takes some skill. You called me 'conjured up', not Irish and 'self hating' Irish.
I guess logic isn't your strong point, but again your grasp of irony is pretty stunning as you manage to write in a comment on your blog about me that I should get a life because I write in a blog about other people. Ha!
Also, I just wanted to point out that it's pretty rude of you to use Irish words when communicating with people who don't speak Irish.
Cass Crockatt
I should probably nail my tricolour to the mast and state that I'm as Irish as Guinness, knobbly sticks and getting knifed in city-centre Dublin with a syringe.
I'm also deputy editor of the website on which the Steven Wells article about Tommy Smyth originally appeared.
I'll keep this short, because I've enough to be doing trying to deal with the cranks on the blog I'm paid to write for, let alone worry about the paranoia of NY-based ex-pats who are so patriotic they'd do anything for their country except live in it.
I thought Steven's column was very amusing, but the laughter it generated was nothing compared to the paroxysms of mirth prompted by Mr Hurley's preposterously ill-informed and hysterically over-the-top response.
His frantic mugging and subsequent refusal to answer any of the very valid questions raised by those who queried his article give me the impression that Hurley is someone who is so anxious to seek offence that he will often dig it out in places where none is intended. It's my experience that there is no reasoning with people like him.
Mr Hurley seems to think he speaks on behalf of "Irish expatriates who are proud of their roots and who refuse to suppress their brogue". I suppose I fall into that bracket, but I'd like to assure everyone he does not speak for me.
I say "suppose", because more by happy accident than design, my flat Offaly drawl is as monotonous and boring to listen to now as it was 10 years ago when I first arrived in Blighty. I am as proud of my roots as anyone, but cringe inwardly when I read sanctimonious, ill-informed polemics like that published above by Mr Hurley.
Yours typing with a pig under each arm,
Barry Glendenning
guardian.co.uk/sport
Did I say "knifed" with a syringe? I meant to say "stabbed" with a syringe.
Barry, a uasal:
Steven's column was a racist rant. Hopefully, he will learn from the experience . . . and as for Cass Crockatt . . . the Irishman who does not appreciate the Irish language . . well that' s another story.
The fact that Steven works for you or you work for Steven . . . I suppose it would be a bad show if you did not defend him. I never claimed to speak for "all expatriates". I mean it is quite obvious that philosophically you and I are eons apart. But Barry, the only entities you speak for are your blog/publication - understandable your job - Steven, understandable your boss? subordinate? and of course the renowned Cass, keeper of the prominent "anti Tommy Smyth website" and disguntled Irish man who feels his ethnicity gives him a license to disparage. Perhaps a more healthy distraction for Cass would be to spend some time learning cupla focal and give the website a rest. Fixations can be dangerous.
All this talk of Guinness, nailing colors to masts; the Irish language; being stabbed by a syringe on O'Connell Street???; is just laughable equivocation and distractive spin. I mean you guys have tied yourselves up in knots. The brutal truth is that none of you would write, or contribute to, a column of a similar nature regarding a broadcaster of a protected ethnic group. Some things you just can't spin!
On another subject, my wife is from Belmont, Ferbane. What part of Offaly are you from?
Slan,
Pat H.
New York
I'm not sure how you know whether I appreciate the Irish language or not or what my mastery level of it is. But using Irish words when addressing Steven, the English journalist was pretty obnoxious I thought.
It's laughable that you talk about spin as you've refused to answer a single question or apologise for any of the disparaging accusations you made that even now you're realising were false. Your refusal to do this, along with your initial post and subsequent comments provides a pretty damning verdict on the type of person you are. I think we've all given you far too much attention so I for one won't be visiting this site again.
Enjoy hanging out with all the other angry hibernians, waiting for next years parade and trying to find reason to be offended.
Cass, a bhuachaill:
Your exasperating!
You really need to start reading your own posts!
There are just some things you cannot spin your way out of.
Slan agus ar aghaidh,
Pat H.
New York
Steven:
You are a professional journalist, man. Do you really want to be associated with a statement like the above. Well too late now!
Pat H.
Ah, a homophobe as well. Who'd've guessed it?
For you Patrick: http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/news-and-opinion/in-extremis/Save-the-Straights-43260492.html?page=2&comments=1&showAll=
Bye bye for ever
A chuisle mo chroí,
Steven Wells
Would Steve Wells have been as derogatory about the accent of a Muslim, Jew, South African or any other ethnic sportscaster as his anti-Irish brogue rant about Tommy Smyth? His opinion on Mr. Smyth's broadcasting ability is one thing, but to go on to berate the sportscaster's accent and then to add insult to injury by insulting Americans as "thick yanks" makes it obvious that Mr. Well's credentials as a "journalist" is far from professional and leaves a lot to be desired. He should be forced to make a public apology for his anti-Irish, anti-American rant!
Irish-American - USA
Steve Wells didn't make a single derogatory remark about Tommy Smith's brogue.
Steven Wells didn't once berate the sportscaster's accent.
Steven Wells didn't ever call Americans "thick yanks."
Can you point to a single line where he did?
And you, sir, can't read.
Now say sorry.
Wurs thas durt thas brass
Steven Wells
Irish/jewish/English/African/German/Afrosaxon citizen-of-the-world-American
(Hey have any of you guys dared to have a DNA test? It'd really open your eyes.)
I just thought you'd like to know that you're being laughed at elsewhere on the net. By Irish people.
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/ian-odoherty/more-antiirish-racism-1716699.html
You might be able to conjure up some more fake rage over the lines:
"This column first came across Smyth in Mexico some years back.
And within five minutes of listening to his asinine, ignorant drivel we were so overcome with anti-Irish hatred that we ended up beating ourselves up.
But the make-up sex was great."
Et tu Brute?
Hello Mr Hurley. Conas ata tu mo chara?
Pat in my opinion and as my mother would say "#!#!%& the Begrudgers!" Tommy has a beautiful accent and he never forgot where he came from. His voice on TV is music to my ears. (Pity he is not from Cork).
I had the privilege to meet his wife while I was out shopping. She has a beautiful voice also. She is
a lady & most important a Corkonian.
An up and coming Cork City man in New York. (Move over Paddy McCarthy!)
To: complaints@pcc.org.uk
Greetings: I am writing to express my disgust at the recent article by Steven Wells that was published in the "Guardian." The article in question dealt with matters concerning sportscaster Tommy Smyth and his abilities regarding his unpopular style of calling football matches.
Personally, I find his style to be rather annoying but to slander him on the basis of his ethnicity is disgusting and totally unacceptable. One wonders if Mr. Wells would have levied such an attack on a Muslim or a Black commentator, or if he saves his poison only for the hated Irish? I sincerely hope that you will do all in your power to correct Mr. Wells and his employer including an apology, a retraction and a fine. Sincerely,
Irish American activist, Queens, New York City
Pat,
Your article made no sense at all and if you actually took the time to read the original article or the websites linked to it you would see that they have nothing to do with rascism.
You seem to be bent on using this as some comparison to rascism against ethnic and religious groups which really makes no sense and is not applicable.
Please think through your articles and comments before posting, it's all a load of rubbish.
There's a reason why some people are journalists and some aren't.
James:
Thanks for your feedback. We'll have to agree to differ.
The litmus test is this:
An article of similar nature would not have been written about a black or Muslim broadcaster!
"There's a reason why some people are journalist and some are'nt."
Sorry James that does not impress me! You imply naively that "journalists" have some special status that mere mortals can never achieve. News flash, James, the vast majority of so called "journalists" are merely hacks with an agenda, bought and paid for by somebody, usually with a left wing bent. They exhibit no special knowledge or training or sacred standards. Reality, James, anybody can put on a hat and call themselves a "journalist".
At the same time, there are some honest members of the Fourth Estate but they identify themselves as what they are opinion makers.
That said, I admire your youthful idealism. I hope that reality dawns gently.
Thanks,
Pat H.
New York
New York
Well there is one clear and clean piece of racism on this page and it passes all tests that you may want to throw in it's path - it is snide, sweeping, unequivocally race-based and ignorant in both fact and tone -
"I guess the English will never change. They still hate to see an Irishman do well."What kind of arrogant "oh I am put upon and I won't forget it" nonsense is this? Whoever crafted this bile clearly hasn't been to London for, oh, 30 years or so.
I'm an Englishman married to Irishwoman (no doubt you would find that concept fundamentally offensive, I will make time to ask her if she feels oppressed by said Brit in her life) and I find your quote to be deeply offensive and racially motivated. Furthermore, your opinions have no place in a modern Ireland or Britain.
James:
You prove my point. You admit that there is a double standard. From your perspective Tommy as an Irishman does not deserve the same respect as a Muslim or a Black man. I thought we were all equal. How did you make a connection with gay men? So asseting Tommy Smyth's rights as an Irish man is "offensive" to gay men???? But you know a similar column would not have been written about a gay broadcaster.
For the record I believe everybody is equal and should be treated with respect.
Pat H.
New York
Everybody, equally with respect? But not, apparently, the English -
"I guess the English will never change. They still hate to see an Irishman do well."Do you stand by this blatant piece of sweeping racism, or is that a step too far?
The point here is that Mr Smyth gets criticised and this is then "rabid anti-Irish" - patent nonsense.
Mark:
You appear to have a narrow view of the world.
As an American, the British have been our best allies since World War 2 and before.
As an Irishman, we have had our problems with the British ruling/political class. Notwithstanding, English people have always been welcome in Ireland.
However, my mother a young emigrant in London in the 1950s remembers the signs: "No Irish or Blacks need apply". Those days are behind us now but it is important to maintain the integrity of the historical record. We have all hopefully matured.
Everybody should be treated with respect.
Say hello to your lovely English wife,
Pat H.
New York
For the record, she's from Kildare (although she is lovely).
happy for him (Tommy) he has a new contract!
Crazy Cork Woman of New York
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