PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins hosted the heroes of Italia ’90 at Aras an Uachtarain on Saturday afternoon.
It comes ahead of the 35th anniversary of the 1990 World Cup, at which the Republic of Ireland got to the quarter-finals.
Several of the players from that squad were on The Late Late Show to share stories from that glorious summer.
And on Saturday, they were hosted by President Higgins, who described it as a “great pleasure” to welcome the former players.
At a function celebrating the accomplishments of Jack Charlton’s team, Higgins paid particular tribute to Charlie O’Leary.
The 101-year-old, who was in fine form on the Late Late Show on Friday night, appeared to be in similar humour at Aras an Uachtarain.
Higgins said: “How wonderful it is to see so many familiar faces here today.
“To welcome back so many members of the team whose journey that summer provided such joy and pride to the people of Ireland.
“And to have the opportunity to acknowledge, once more, the extraordinary contribution that you have made — not only to Irish football but to gifting us a memory that informed the spirit and confidence of a nation like no other ever at a defining moment in our shared story.
“I am so delighted to see that Charlie O’Leary, 101 years young, is here with us today.
“As the much loved kitman, the genuine care that you bestowed upon the players, and the camaraderie and sense of unity that you fostered, played such a pivotal role in shaping the character of the team, earning you the admiration and love of fans throughout the country.
“Italia ‘90 was more than a tournament or a contest.
“It was a unique moment of shared national celebration, a time when Irish people, wherever they were in the world, came together in a spirit of joy, hope, and possibility.”
President Higgins made particular reference to the last-16 clash against Romania.
On that iconic day, Packie Bonner wrote his name into the history books in permanent ink with a penalty shoot-out save on Daniel Timofte.
That set the stage for David O’Leary to step up and, with the nation holding its breath, converted to send the Boys in Green into the last-eight.
While Jack Charlton’s men fell victim to Salvatore Schillaci and Italy in the quarter-finals, Higgins described the win over Romania as a “moment etched in our collective memory.”
He added: “Of course, Italia ‘90 was about so much more than one result.
“It was about the sense of sharing something together that emerged across the country.
“The streets throughout Ireland that became filled with colour, the sense of shared celebration transcended generations.
“The songs that became anthems of a summer never to be forgotten.
“Young children were inspired to take to the football fields of their communities, believing that they too might one day wear the green jersey with pride.”
JACK OF ALL TRADES
Jack Charlton sadly passed away in 2020, while his long-time assistant Maurice Setters died that same year.
And Higgins took the chance to pay tribute to an “outstanding leader” who “molded Ireland into a successful team”.
He said: “It was not just the success on the field of play.
“Jack’s endearing popularity also had much to do with his warmth and charismatic personality.
“He was a true legendary sporting icon of our nation.
“In 2020, following his sad passing, it was a poignant occasion to posthumously award Jack a Presidential Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Ireland.”
Higgins also paid tribute to the late Alan McLoughlin, whose goal against Northern Ireland in Belfast in November 1993 sent them to the 1994 World Cup.
McLoughlin sadly died aged just 54 in 2021.
Higgins also gave a shout-out to Paul McGrath, who was one of the heroes of the 1994 World Cup.
The 83-times capped former Manchester United and Aston Villa defender has not been part of the Italia ’90 anniversary celebrations after he had a health scare at the start of 2025.
Higgins continued: “May I extend my deep gratitude to Jack Charlton’s family, to all the families of the members of the team, to all the coaches and backroom staff, and to all those who made it possible, who played their part in the crafting of that remarkable journey.
“Each of you gave us something invaluable — memories of an unforgettable summer that continue to endure, a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of Irish footballers, and a confidence that comes from that great success, one that encourages us all to believe that we can do it again.
“So today, let us celebrate once more, let us recall those wonderful weeks with the warmth and affection that they deserve, and let us say, with full hearts — thank you.”
