Celebrating Charlie O’Leary’s 100th Birthday
We were delighted to be present, and grateful beneficiaries, when legendary former Republic of Ireland kitman Charlie O’Leary celebrated his 100th birthday with 350 guests in the Great Hall at Clontarf Castle in early February, 2024.
Instead of gifts, Charlie asked that the Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association benefit via contributions – a terrific gesture.
Charlie was presented with a specially commissioned Golden Boot in recognition of his life contribution to Irish football. Crafted by the hand of East Wall’s very own internationally renowned artist and sculptor, Joe Moran, the stunning piece was presented by Irish underage international Alan Sattell (Shamrock Rovers) who is also from Charlie’s home community.
Left: Pat Byrne, Terry Eviston, Mick Byrne, Harry McCue & Martin Lawlor of the IPFBA. Right: Charlie with The Golden Boot (above), one of many deserved tributes and surprises he received on the night.
RTÉ’s Darragh Moloney and the FAI’s Cathal Dervan hosted a Q&A session with the centenarian and Mick McCarthy while the likes of Paddy Mulligan, Davy Keogh ‘Says Hello’, Stephen McGuinness and Paddy Daly sang the praises of a man who, in his refereeing days, had the distinction of officiating FAI Minor, Youth, FAI Junior, FAI Intermediate and FAI Senior Cup Finals.
Charlie’s old sidekick and ‘brother-in-arms’ Mick Byrne was happily alongside him for the sit-down meal and it was simply a superbly organised event.
Read the Dublin Gazette’s report here.