The memories of Jack Charlton abounded this week as the region recalled a legend of the game.

As part of his role with Ireland - and as a football man - he visited Drogheda on a number of occasions during his 'glory days' - indeed his first visit to United Park coming in February 1990 for an under 16 clash between Scotland and Ireland.

He arrived into the Press area, sat down and just watched the action unfold, almost in a trance.

Had he come just for the game, 'No,' he replied, 'I was down Ardee way earlier for a spot of fishing on the Dee!.

You had to take that comment with a pinch of salt.

The game ended 2-2, Gary Hanrahan scoring one of the Irish goals and a certain Eddie Van Boxtel playing in goals, denying future Irish star Nick Colgan a run.

Two months later, he was back again.

This time it was a Drogheda Utd gala dinner and what a star attraction he was.

But he had the flu and when he walked into the Boyne Valley Hotel, immediately hit the bed for two hours!

He revealed later that on his way from Navan to Drogheda he spotted a stretch of the Boyne he had not fished before and decided to investigate. Followed by his companion (in best Sunday suit) thc keen fisherman walked for up to four miles along the bank.

Among the guests for the evening was none other than Ronnie Whelan snr., father of Livcrpool and Republic of Ireland star, Ronnie jun., and during the course of the evening he recalled his days at Drogheda "Young Ronnie often talks about coming down on the bus to Drogheda during those days and hc used to play about on the steps at the Lourdes Stadium,' he said.

Down the years, he returned to the Boyneside on a number of occasions, as popular as that first day when he stepped foot into United Park.

Drogheda Independent

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Football, Boyne and the Dee - Drogheda Independent