Enda Smith's generosity appears limitless

Ryan Tubridy recently made headlines with his announced return to the airwaves, signing a broadcasting deal in the UK. His new show on Virgin Radio UK, airing from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday, is a significant departure from his previous role at RTÉ, where he hosted just under an hour a day for five days. This planned move comes as part of a broader media landscape shift, and Tubridy's extended hours on air and diverse broadcasting platforms mark a substantial change in his career trajectory.

In his previous role with RTÉ, Tubridy was a prominent figure, hosting a highly-rated show and earning recognition as the highest-paid broadcaster in the network. However, the new deal not only expands his radio presence but also introduces a dedicated Irish weekend show across Wireless Ireland stations, including Q102, Cork’s 96FM, Live 95 in Limerick, and LMFM.

Despite the increased workload, there are indications that Tubridy's new venture might come with a financial trade-off. His salary, though not officially confirmed, is rumoured to be less than what he received at RTÉ. However, the focus on financial gain is tempered by a broader perspective on life — acknowledging that while substantial earnings are desirable, a comfortable and meaningful life is what really matters.

Tubridy has had a difficult time of late, lost his job and his position as the moral compass of the nation, carrying the can for all that’s wrong in RTÉ and generally in the eyes of many has been the handy scapegoat, the one who is the face for the problems in RTÉ. The actual management appear to have almost got off scott free, or did they?

The RTÉ debacle continues and it's hard to believe that is almost six months since we first had the revelations about the large payments within RTÉ. This summer was marred by controversy over the television licence fee and the millions of Euro that were not paid by the general public as they showed their disgust for the way the RTÉ payments were being handled.

At the time I felt an element of sympathy for Ryan Tubridy, he was almost the fall guy. I agree he was getting a very high salary for what seemed to be very limited hours of work, yet the actual wrong doing appeared not to be him but RTÉ management who were massaging figures.

To some he’s a nice guy to others he was just another with his nose in the trough getting all that he could. Compare that if you will with the other great news that we experienced on Friday evening. A real nice guy got the reward he deserved, winning the 16th All-Star for the county.

Enda Smith's achievement holds particular significance for Roscommon GAA. As the only recipient from Connacht and representing a team that didn't make it to the All-Ireland semi-finals or quarter-finals, Smith's All-Star win is extraordinary.

Children love Enda, adults respect him and his generosity appears limitless. His character sets him apart; he’s a straight, honest, decent, obliging and endlessly generous fella. Stories abound of Smith's kindness, whether it's fulfilling requests for memorabilia or offering advice to young aspiring footballers, answering letters from people around the country especially during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Enda's brother, Donie, shares this decency, reflecting the values embedded in the Roscommon football team. During my time as the county PRO, Enda consistently demonstrated his willingness to contribute, emphasising his commitment to the team and the community.

Informed sources have told me that Enda’s award was pinned down earlier than a lot of the other recipients, his performances during the year had really made him stand out head and shoulders above others. There has been widespread delight at his award even the contrary former RTÉ pundit Pat Spillane was very quick to say “ I would applaud the selectors in picking Enda Smith. I saw him in several matches this year he’s a class act”.

Some people wrongly think that nice guys finish last, nothing could ever be further from the truth. We have seen Enda get his first All Star award, he has previously been picked on the Irish Compromised Rules Team that travelled to Australia in 2017 and no doubt he’ll receive more accolades in the future. While personal accolades are gratifying, team achievements remain the pinnacle for athletes. Enda Smith's journey, from an All-Star to representing Ireland in the Compromised Rules Team in 2017, exemplifies the rewards of hard work and dedication.

The celebration of Enda Smith's achievement in contrast to the challenges faced by Ryan Tubridy underscores the diverse paths individuals take in their careers. Tubridy's move to Virgin Radio UK represents a departure from the familiar, a leap into the unknown. In contrast, Enda Smith's All-Star win reaffirms the belief that, indeed, nice guys can finish first — a testament to the enduring value of kindness, decency, and genuine character in the face of challenges and uncertainties.

Many the Irish parent has told their children growing up that “it’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice”.