THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #84 - THE IMMORTAL FINISH LINE w/ GARETH FARRELLY

How do you envisage retirement? Setting off sail into the sunset? Winning the lottery?

For professional athletes that idyllic image can feel far removed and it can be quite a messy process.

And what if it's taken from you overnight?

Gareth Farrelly's life was turned upside down by a serious illness at just 32. Afterwards the former Everton, Aston Villa, Bolton and Ireland international was set down a path all too familiar with those in the footballing world which all made for a inconspicuous exit away from the game several years later.

Being strategic, leveraging lessons learned from challenging times Gareth soon came out the other side. Now Gareth leads a life of purpose in his new identity as a solicitor. Throughout this episode you too will be able to hear the never ending journey of education Gareth is on which permeates through our conversation. It was fascinating and a genuine privilege to hear Gareth's nuanced perspective on the game. Furthermore we discussed;

- A breakdown of the external and internal challenges which footballers face?

- Football as a reflection of society.

- Starting at the bottom of the right ladder.

- The concerted need to think beyond 'low resolution' in footballing circles.

- Why we need to ask ourselves is the view worth the climb?

- The fantastic work of Player 4 Player.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 03:43 - Early Years

03:44 - 10:52 - The Industry

10:53 - 24:28 - Retirement

24:29 - 27:35 - Law

27:36 - 31:08 - Values

31:09 - 38:49 - Player 4 Player

38:50 - 41:09 - Future

41:10 - 45:07 - Advice

Gareth's Twitter;https://twitter.com/garethfarrelly1?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor