Martin and Michael D say thanks for magical memories
‘His popularity had much to do with his warmth’
TAOISEACH Micheál Martin led tributes to soccer legend Jack Charlton yesterday, saying he gave us ‘magical memories’.
‘So saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Charlton who brought such honesty and joy to the football world,’ the Taoiseach wrote on Twitter yesterday.
‘He personified a golden era in Irish football – the Italia 90 campaign being one of pure joy for the nation. He gave us magical memories. Thank you Jack.’
President Michael D Higgins released a statement yesterday recalling how the country’s most celebrated soccer manager ‘brought Ireland to some of our most celebrated moments in Irish sporting history’.
‘The news of the death of Jack Charlton will have been received with great sadness by those of us who took him to our hearts as he brought Ireland to some of our most celebrated moments in Irish sporting history.
‘He leaves a legacy of outstanding leadership of a group of players of many diverse talents, which he moulded into the successful team that captured the imagination of the nation. It was not just the success on the field of play, Jack’s endearing popularity also had much to do with the warmth and personality of the person who quickly became such a legendary sporting icon.
‘From a family that loved soccer, he had many connections with Ireland, which he chose for one of his quietest recreations – fishing.
‘Sabina and I send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and his legions of Irish fans.’
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar thanked Jack Charlton for the ‘wonderful summers’ of 1988, 1990 and 1994. ‘All of Ireland is sad to hear of the passing of Jack Charlton. He lifted the nation and gave us some truly incredible memories through those wonderful summers of ’88, ’90 and ’94. #ThankyouJack’
The leader of Sinn
Féin, Mary Lou McDonald, said: ‘Jack Charlton was Ireland’s most beloved English man. Sorry to hear of his passing. He kept ‘em all under pressure and kept us all cheering the boys in green on. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.’
Dublin Lord Mayor Hazel Chu paid her own tribute to ‘a true legend of today, a giant of Irish sport’. She added that Jack was an inspiration for an entire country.
‘On behalf of all the citizens of our city I would like to extend my condolences to Jack’s family and friends.
‘Jack wasn’t just a football manager, he was the inspiration for an entire country. Not many people can say they left a legacy like that behind them.
‘Anyone who remembers Euro 88, Italia 90, and USA 94 will always think of him fondly. They were special times and Big Jack was a special man. In 1994 he was awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin, an honour that was so richly deserved.
‘Jack Charlton may have been English by birth, but he will always have a special place in the hearts of the people of Dublin and Ireland. Rest in peace Jack and thank you.’
Many Irish sports personalities and celebrities also took to Twitter yesterday to pass on their respect to the footballing legend.
Ireland footballer Stephanie Roche told of her sadness over Jack Charlton’s death.
‘Sad to hear the news today. A true legend of Irish football and a gentleman. RIP Jack Charlton.’
RTÉ sports broadcaster Des Cahill posted an old picture of
Jack with his wife Pat and said it was his ‘favourite’ photo.
‘They were married for more than 60 years. They could never have imagined the role Ireland would play in their lives. I’ll always remember them for being so kind & generous to me,’ he wrote.
Comedian Dara Ó Briain said Jack lifted the ‘confidence’ of the entire nation.
‘He brought great joy to the country, and probably a lifted the confidence of the entire nation. May he rest in peace.’
TV presenter Laura Whitmore posted: ‘RIP to the legend Jack Charlton.’ The Love Island host posted the message along with a picture captioned: ‘You are the manager who changed Irish football forever.’