Full-backs around Tipperary 'safe' following 2 Johnnies star's Late Late Show announcement

One-half of Tipperary's The 2 Johnnies made a shock announcement regarding his future in the GAA on Friday night's Late Late Show special on RTÉ One. 

The comic duo consisting of Johnny 'Smacks' McMahon and Johnny 'B' O'Brien were special guests on the Late Late Show's GAA special which celebrated the achievements of GAA teams, individuals and families from across Ireland, featuring notable figures such as legendary pundit Pat Spillane, GAA president Jarlath Burns, Offaly legend Seamas Darby and RTE broadcaster Evanne Ní Chuilinn.

Cahir native Johnny B made the announcement during a lively segment where the duo joined host Patrick Kielty to discuss their hit song When I play for the County and their love of the GAA. 

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While reflecting on his involvement in the GAA, Kielty teed up the former hurl maker to reveal that he had made the decision to retire from his playing days and would instead be helping "Johnny and the lads on the sidelines". 

"We don't want to end on a downer but Johnny B, all great sporting dynasties do come to an end. I believe you have an announcement for us tonight," Kielty said. 

"Oh right," Johnny B laughed before continuing: "I'm not going to play Junior next year is what he means!"

"Ah no, I think I'll give it a break and try and help Johnny and the lads on the sideline."

"So this is exclusive - you're retiring from playing and going into coaching?" followed up Kielty, to which O'Brien replied: "Hold the front page tomorrow lads, I'm not going to play next year. 

Johnny Smacks chirped in with a one-liner that went down well with the studio audience: "Full-backs around South Tipp are safe!"

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O'Brien went on to talk about the importance of the Gaelic Games and the significance it's had on his life as he encouraged others to get involved.

"I have friends from 17 to 70 and you can all go for a pint or a coffee afterwards and have the craic."

The news follows his co-star Johnny Smacks'  election as chairman of their local club, Cahir GAA, in recent weeks.