Not many of you will have heard of Dubliner Kevin Egan but soccer fans in Illinois will be familiar with him through his work as presenter and commentator on Chicago Fire matches for Big Ten Network in Chicago. Originally from Raheny and a graduate of Griffith College, Kevin headed to the U.S in 2008 hoping to gain additional broadcasting experience following five years with RTE. Since then he has worked his way up to become one of the faces of soccer in the Chicago area.Kevin took time out to speak with us about how he got his break in broadcasting, the growth of soccer in the US, Robbie Keane and if Marty Morrisey would be a big success in the U.S.!
Who are you?
My name is Kevin Egan. I’m 28 years of age and I’m from the great parish of Raheny in Dublin.
What is your job?
I’m a a Soccer Commentator and Associate Producer on all sports with a FOX Sports company called BTN in Chicago. Last year, I was hired as Presenter / Commentator for our professional soccer team, the Chicago Fire. Thankfully, so far so good on both counts, with jobs that are incredibly enjoyable.
Kevin presenting from BTN studio
What did you do in Ireland first?
Like most young lads growing up in a GAA household, ‘The Sunday Game’ was an immovable ritual. Michael Lyster bossed our family room on a Sunday evening after Croke Park, and I was in awe! I think it’s fair to say that working in RTE Sport was always a huge goal of mine, so when that dream became a reality on August 14th 2004, I was chuffed!
After countless attempts at applying to RTE and attending the likes of Questions and Answers’ to make contacts, ‘The Production People’ hired me as a freelance Production Runner for RTE Sport’s Olympics coverage. Opportunities continued to present themselves, and I was lucky enough to go on and work as a researcher, sub-editor and reporter for both TV and Radio. I loved every single minute in RTE, and enjoyed nearly 5 wonderful years there.
How did you get a job with FOX?
Our beautiful country of Ireland is quite small! Sometimes in a country of our size, and a petite market, greater obstacles present themselves for progression, especially within an organization such as RTE where many people spend their entire working life. I always knew I wanted to work abroad for a year or two, and maybe try and add a BBC,
Kevin emceeing the Chicago Fire kickoff luncheon
SKY, ESPN or FOX to my CV. So in late 2008 I booked a one way ticket to Chicago, my Mother’s hometown.
Between November and January I put together a list of contacts, and after some shameless pleading, one contact came good! Jacqui Hurley from RTE Sport put me in touch with an old college roommate from her time in the US, FOX broadcaster, Lisa Cornwell. Lisa agreed to meet me for lunch, and then a week later gave me a tour of the station. At FOX I emptied my big brown envelope of CV’s and luckily managed to bag some freelance production work. At the time, that was the break I desperately needed!
So you didn’t present and commentate right away?
Absolutely not! I worked as an Associate Producer for 2 years before I started a web show called ‘BTN Soccer Report’. Through producing and presenting that, opportunities to commentate came about with FOX’s BTN and the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer.
Do people recognise you on the street?
No! It’s happened a couple of times with Fire fans, but thankfully Chicago is a huge city, and a massive sports town!
What are the major differences working in US TV and Irish TV?
Fundamentally there are so many similar aspects. Live sports is ‘on the fly’ no matter where you are in the world, but I certainly think the way they like to produce shows
You know you have made it when you have your own Bobblehead!
here in America forces you to react at a different pace. Every millisecond counts in Basketball, American Football and Ice Hockey, which impacts everything from a highlight package, to a full screen graphic, to a researchers notes. At production meetings, shows are put together in such fine detail. I’m not sure telling Pat Spillane he has fifteen seconds to make his point would work as well!
In my opinion, US Sports coverage is completely over-produced. I can never fathom the obsession with putting several graphical elements on the screen at one time, or the need to constantly show clips that are often not relevant to what the analyst is referencing. ESPN changed the landscape of sports coverage in America, and its fast paced nature fits perfectly with the sports bar culture in America. I miss the honest, entertaining and compelling sports coverage that I think RTE does as well as anyone.
Do you need an all year round tan and big white teeth to be on the box in the States?
Haha! I don’t think so! Although most do, I’m not sure I’ll ever have that chiselled six pack, pearly whites or the year-long tan! A few years ago, I got sun stroke in Dingle, so maybe they’ve got the wrong man!
Is there much pressure to perform being a commentator?
Genuinely, I’ve never thought about it. It’s such a privilege to be able to talk about football for a living. If you know your subject, your storylines and understand the movable parts to a broadcast, I think you’ll be fine. If I was a surgeon, I’m sure I’d feel the pressure to perform, but I’m reacting to what I see on a football pitch. If I’m not prepared, then I’m sure there’d be more pressure, but that should never be the case.
Is soccer growing in the US?
Yes, but there’s a long road ahead. The US national team will qualify for Brazil and it’ll be interesting to see how they do. In terms of international exposure, Major League Soccer is certainly growing. If you attend a match in Seattle, Portland or Kansas, you would quickly see that MLS is on the rise. The Seattle Sounders average over 40,000 for home matches, something most Premier League teams can’t say. The product on the pitch is far better than its reputation worldwide. Due to league restrictions (limited designated players, salary caps, college draft), the parity within MLS is greater than any other league in professional soccer.
Is Robbie Keane a big thing?
Robbie Keane has been a huge hit in MLS. The Dubliner has 5 goals and 6 assists in 9 matches so far this season, and last year he quickly established himself as one of the top marksmen in the league, while winning the MLS Cup alongside David Beckham and Landon Donovan.
However, given soccer’s standing amongst US sports, Robbie Keane is certainly not a household name in the US! Need any comic proof?
Will the US ever have a decent team capable of winning the World Cup?
Soccer is the 2nd most popular sport played in the United States amongst kids, behind Basketball. There is certainly a wave of momentum and optimism about the sport in America right now. The national team has no world beaters, but they’re a solid group that are playing well for Jurgen Klinsmann. Don’t forget, this is a team that beat the mighty Spain 2-0 in the 2009 Confederations Cup. I don’t think a World Cup crown is a realistic goal within the next couple of Tournaments, but a maiden trophy within the next twenty years is realistic.
Would Marty Morrissey make it in the States?
Of course! Marty is an immortal capable of anything! I have no doubt that his charm and charisma would be lapped up in the States. Marty has put Quilty, Co. Clare on the Map for a reason. If Marty can get an interview with Cindy Crawford at the Olympics, and cause the DJ to stop the music at Coppers and announce ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, we’ve got a celebrity in the house’, the man could cruise into stardom in America!
Who, in your view, is the best sports presenter/commentator?
Wow, tough question. I’m a big fan of broadcasters that do the basics well. Too many presenters try to impress, by cracking jokes or asking long-winded questions full of facts. I think a Presenters role is to make sure the show gets from A to B in the smoothest fashion possible, while also getting the very best out of the analysts. Extra facts and stats are welcome, especially when enhancing a point, or to provoke a response. Likeability is also crucial – some people are instantly likeable, others aren’t!
I feel I’ve been very lucky growing up listening to the likes of Jimmy Magee and George Hamilton on the microphone in Ireland, whether it’s TV or Radio. Their ability to describe a scene or moment was always a joy to listen to.
Over here in the States there are a few names that come to mind. I think England’s Ian Darke is doing a great job with ESPN’s soccer coverage. Ernie Johnson is always impressive, and somehow manages to control Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal on TNT’s basketball shows.
However, when I think of the guys that I look up to, my head always takes me back home! For his knowledge of subject, enthusiasm, description, passion and love for his role, my all-time favourite sports broadcaster would be Micheal O Muircheartaigh. I can’t see that changing anytime soon.
Kev Reporting for FOX Soccer with Prem Trophy and Mike Summerbee
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