Thanks ‘Union Jack’ for the best of times

Sir — It was the worst of times, but he gave us the best of times. I remember so well that day in March 1986, watching Ireland lose to Wales — Jack’s first match and the beginning of an odyssey which took me and the nation on a journey and joy of a lifetime.

A sparse stadium greeted its new manager. Some in the crowd booed and I remember one lonely banner which read “Go Home Union Jack”.

At the end of Jack’s reign that banner-waver probably cried. Jack did go home, but he left his heart here and we gave him ours.

As the Covid pandemic will stop Irish fans travelling to Jack’s funeral, perhaps the President should go to represent the Irish people? It would be true representation of a nation’s gratitude and love for a man who gave us such joy and bridged a centuries-old divide.

Like the golden days of our youth, Jack’s reign was like one long glorious summer, the rainy days forgotten. To Jack’s wife and family, the deepest sympathies go, and the most heartfelt thanks. We will miss him too. John Naylor,

Walkinstown, Dublin first cap for Scotland, the first of four. Bulgaria only need to avoid defeat against a Scottish team that cannot buy a win away from home... but the unthinkable happens. With eight minutes to go, Mackay swoops for his one and only international goal and in the process becomes Ireland’s second patron saint.

It’s Genoa, Italy, in the summer of 1990 and in Group F, “the group of sleep”, Ireland, England, Holland and Egypt have been keeping the world enthralled by drawing with each other — until England manage to register the only win in the group and finish top. Ireland and Holland have to draw lots to see who finishes second and third. Charlton’s guardian angel appears and Ireland get second spot and a date with Romania.

Oh Eoin! I bet you would have taken anyone’s hand off for even one of those blessings!

Matt McLoughlin,

Culfadda, Co Sligo