Charlton inspired the nation-Kenny
AMONG the mass of tributes which flooded in for former Ireland manager Jack Charlton were the poignant words of Stephen Kenny.
The current Ireland manager, and former Dundalk F.C boss paid tribute to Jack Charlton for ‘inspiring the nation’ during his time in charge.
It was very sad to hear the news of Jack’s passing,’ Kenny told FAI.ie.
‘ To qualify for three major tournaments, two World Cups and a European Championship, was an exceptional achievement.
‘ Those tournaments also showed us how a successful Irish football team can lift and inspire the nation. May he rest in peace.’
Stephen Kenny’s tributes came as memories of Charlton’s era in charge were shared widely across social media.
For Dundalk people, it was the joy and hope of ‘Italia ‘90’ which is synonomous with Charlton’s legacy.
Scenes of jubilation during the big screen broadcast in Market Square of Ireland’s World Cup matches were shared by local people, reminiscing on the incredible heyday of thirty years ago.
The late soccer legend had, of course, visited Dundalk in 1990 when the Irish team played a friendly at Oriel Park.
Thousands of people crammed in to the stadium to catch some of their sporting heroes in action.
Oriel Park became a regular training venue for the Irish team ahead of big tournaments as they used to stay in the Nuremore Hotel.
Charlton’s links with
Dundalk also extended to former Ireland international Stephen Staunton, who the former manager described as having ‘ the best left foot you’ve ever seen in your life.’
The two Italia 90 icons met up just two years ago to reminisce about the Green Army glory days, with Jack’s wife Pat saying it had been the first time they had met since the 1990s.