SHAY GIVEN is an unmistakeable presence on Ireland fans’ TVs as a legendary former player and now a pundit.
The 48-year-old is one of the most decorated players to come from these shores, having won 134 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
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The former goalkeeper has also donned the colours of the likes of Newcastle United, for whom he played 354 times, Manchester City, and Aston Villa.
He retired from football in April 2018, a day before his 42nd birthday, ending his career for Stoke City.
Since hanging up the boots, Given has thrown himself into pundity work, regularly popping up during RTÉ’s coverage of the Champions League.
All the while, he has maintained a family life at home, and here SunSport takes a look at the man behind the gloves.
Where is Shay Given from?
Shay Given was born in Lifford, County Donegal on April 20, 1976, making him 48 years of age.
It was in his local area that his career started, as he represented Lifford Celtic.
He impressed enough for the club to attract the attentions of Celtic, for whose youth sides he trained during a pre-season tour of Ireland in 1991 – when he was 14.
He was signed by the Hoops but never made a first team appearance, although his impact on the youth team led to him joining Blackburn Rovers in 1994.
Given made two appearances for Blackburn, while he spent loan spells at Swindon Town (2) and Sunderland before joining Newcastle Utd in 1997.
Is he married?
Shay Given is engaged to be married to fiancee Becky Gibson, a Manchester-based PR executive.
The two met in 2013 and have two kids together – daughters Gracie and Cassie Elsa.
Grace is eight and arrived in December 2015, the same year Shay and Becky got engaged during a visit to Los Angeles.
Cassie Elsa, meanwhile, is six and was born in 2017.
The happy couple have not publicly stated that they are formally married, but apparent bride-to-be did change her surname to ‘Given’ on social media in 2021.
She was by his side during a tragic period in his life late last year.
His brother Kieran, passed away over Christmas at the age of 52 at his home in Germany.
Shay’s uncle Ambrose passing away on December 25, just two days after Kieran’s death.
In an emotional tribute at the time, the former Newcastle United and Manchester City star said their deaths meant “our family will never be the same”.
Was he married before?
Becky will be Shay’s second wife.
He tied the knot with his first spouse, Jane Cunningham, in 2001, after they met during his time at St James’ Park in 1999.
They had two kids together, son Shayne and and daughter Sienna, while they separated in 2013, news which was confirmed by his then-club Aston Villa that April.
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