After a huge 2018 which culminated with the first belt of his professional career, Michael Conlan is set for an even bigger 2019.
Conlan appeared on The Late Late Show on Friday night alongside three other successful Irish people in their 20s to discuss their lives and careers. Alongside the Belfast boxer was Irish actor Barry Keoghan, Journalist Ellen Coyne, and fashion blogger Rosie Connolly.
Conlan, who is under the MTK promotions stable, diverged from their Irish media ban to appear on the national broadcaster.
He has fought the bulk of his bouts in America and is trained by UK-based coach Adam Booth. For the first five bouts of his pro career, he was trained by Manny Robles in LA. Thus, he is forced by his career to spend a huge amount of time outside of the country. As he explained, this has lead to he developing a surprising love for Irish music.
"I love Ireland. I lived abroad for one year in LA. The only music I listened to... I never really listened to Irish traditional music until I went to LA and went abroad. Then when I came back, I was a full-force rebel!"
He went on to reveal this is the music he listens to warming up for fights. "I know nearly every single Irish song now. Every Wolfe Tones song. When I am in the dressing room it is the music I listen to warming up."
Michael Conlan and Barry Keoghan chat to Ryan about their love for Ireland and rebel songs when they are working and living abroad ☘?#latelate pic.twitter.com/6PdaaHJ5Ut
— RTE One (@RTEOne) January 11, 2019
It was something that the Wolfe Tones certainly appreciated.
Thanks to @mickconlan11 for the mention on tonight’s @RTELateLateShow
— The Wolfe Tones 🇮🇪 (@wolfetones) January 11, 2019
