Niall Quinn on Oscar Traynor - Part One

South Dublin Stories is a podcast by South Dublin County Council Libraries, aimed at telling the story of South Dublin County through the lens of photographs, documents and objects from our Local Studies Collection. It is funded by the Heritage Council's Heritage Stewardship Fund.

The podcast is researched and presented by historian Liz Gillis, and features different special guests on each episode.

In the first of two episodes on the subject, former international footballer Niall Quinn speaks to historian Liz Gillis about the life and times of Oscar Traynor. 

The photograph that is referred to at the start of the episode is available here. 

About Niall Quinn 

Niall Quinn is a renowned Irish sportsman and a respected figure in the world of football. Niall's professional career saw him play for several notable clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City and Sunderland. He earned a reputation as a versatile and skilful striker, celebrated for his ability to score goals and create opportunities for his teammates. 

Beyond his club successes, Niall Quinn was a pivotal figure for the Republic of Ireland, earning 92 caps and representing his country with distinction on the international stage including at the World Cup in 1990 and 2002. His contribution to the national team made him an icon in Irish football history. He remains Ireland’s second highest goal scorer of all time. 

 Off the field, Niall Quinn has also made significant contributions to the sport. His involvement in football administration and broadcasting, as well as his philanthropic endeavours, have further solidified his standing as a respected and influential figure in the world of sports.

 In 2022, he graduated from Dublin City University with a Master’s degree in history. His thesis focused on the life of Oscar Traynor.

About Liz Gillis

 Liz Gillis has a degree in Modern Irish History and specialises in the Irish Revolutionary period. She is a lecturer at Champlain College Dublin and a researcher on The History Show on RTE Radio. She has also worked as a curator on the RTE 1916 Centenary Project, as a tour guide in Kilmainham Gaol, and as historical consultant on projects including the Custom House Visitor Centre and Hyatt Centric Liberties Hotel.  She is the author of several books including Revolution in Dublin: A Photographic History 1916-1923, Women of the Irish Revolution, and May 25: Burning of the Custom House 1921. She was the recipient of the Dublin City Lord Mayor’s Award in 2018 for her contribution to history and was co-organiser of the online conference to mark the centenary of the burning of the Custom House in May 1921.

She was South Dublin County Council's Decade of Centenaries Historian in Residence. 

Liz believes in telling the national story from the local perspective and is passionate about getting people interested in history.