Staunton bowled over by welcome home

July 1990

Stephen Staunton receives a tumultuous welcome on his return to Dundalk following Ireland’s memorable World Cup campaign.

The youngest member of Jack Charlton’s squad, the 21-year-old has nonetheless already won major honours with Liverpool.

‘It was a great World Cup, but the reception at home is something else,’ he says.

Thousands jam the town’s streets to pay their own tribute to Staunton, an ever-present in all five outings in Italy.

He is also accorded a civic reception in the town hall by the urban council, and is joined by his family for the occasion.

Former Irish internationals Joey Donnelly and Tommy McConville, as well as many of the mentors and officials who guided Stephen during his Gaelic football and early soccer days are also present.

Master of ceremonies Cllr Stephen Burns tells of a quickly-arranged visit to the old folks’ home by the guest of honour which goes down a treat.

He is wonderful with the people, and it is a marvellous gesture on his part.

Council chairman Cllr Séamus Keelan remarks it’s an honour to acknowledge one of the great sporting ambassadors produced in Dundalk.

It all starts on the green in Árd Éasmuinn under the watchful eye of Jackie Henry, then to St Dominic’s, Dundalk Youths and Clan na Gael, and like Kevin Moran, he produces the goods at both codes.

The chairman then presents Stephen with a scroll, a citation and a suitably engraved statuette of Cúchulainn.

There are also contributions from Jim Malone, Dundalk FC; Gerry Gover, chairman of Dundalk Schoolboys League and Jackie Henry.

The star footballer is taken aback by all the kind words. He says it’s the people who make it a great week for him since he returns home.