JACKCHARLTON’SDEATHHASPROMPTEDANATIONALOUTPOURING OF AFFECTION, PARTICULARLY BY THE BANKS OF THE BLACKWATER IN KILLAVULLEN.
Fishing, talking football on the banks of The Blackwater
THERE was many a time when Jack Charlton would sit on the banks of The Blackwater, fishing, while at the same time giving his opinion on various soccer games.
Sure what other way would he have it? After all, fishing and soccer were the former Ireland manager’s passions and he ensured that he fulfilled both.
“He would be on the phone giving his verdicts and he would be fishing with me. He would be talking about the World Cup verdicts. We often would have a good laugh about that,” said local fisherman and ghillie Jer Butler.
Jer would take Jack out fishing when he came to Killavullen every year and over the years they became firm friends. They would spend hours on the Blackwater river and later that night head to Roche’s for a pint.
“He came the third week of June for a week with his neighbours Dave Croft and his son, they knew each for other for years. He came every single year for at least 10 years. I would take him fishing and show him the spots,” Ger told The Corkman.
“We’d go early in the morning as it was summer and then break up around 10.30am or 11am and go back at 7pm until dark and then head to Nora’s [Roches] for a pint.
“We had some lovely days on the Blackwater.”
Like many in Killavullen, Ger recalls that Jack always had time for everyone and one special memory for the children of the village was when he paid a visit to the local national school.
“My young lad was going to school there and I asked Jack would he present the medals and the kids loved it,” said Ger
“That was the year that France won the World Cup, he predicted it and he was bang on”
His death last week was met with sadness by all who knew him in Killavullen. He is fondly remembered for his friendly attitude.
“He was very down to earth very ordinary. He was a lovely man in all fairness,” Ger added.
Aside from fishing, Jack passed the time on holidays playing pool, enjoying a pint and having the odd chicken supper from the local chipper van.