Miriam meets......Senator Eamonn Coghlan and Brian Kerr

Senator Eamonn Coghlan and Brian Kerr grew up across the road from each other in the Dublin suburb of Drimnagh and have been friends since their mothers used to meet to walk the babies in their prams to the local shops. They recall growing up in Drimnagh, early sporting success and Eamonn's decision to go to America to pursue athletics at Villanova University.

Eamonn's win in the 1983 World Championships at 5000 metres was a career highlight. Brian recalls his pride at his friend's great win and Eamonn reflects on that win in the light of the disappointments he had suffered at the Olympics of 1976 and 1980.

The second part of the programme looks at Brian Kerr's career in soccer management. He reflects on the disappointment of not having his contract as Irish international team manager renewed in 2005. He talks about how it is easier to manage when you live away from Ireland as the pressure is great on a manager living in the country.

Eamonn recalls his pride at being in the Shelbourne Hotel on the day that Brian's manager contract was announced. The men embraced as Brian left the press conference and this is the picture that they say featured in lots of newspapers the following morning.

Brian is still on career break from a job as an agricultural chemistry lab technician, but has no immediate plans to return to his job. Eamonn was appointed to the Senate in May and is learing the ropes.

Both men reflect on the value of sport in people's lives both for those of great talent and those who enjoy participating.