CHARLIE O’LEARY HAS been a part of more footballing history than most of us will ever see.
Name a famous result — Stuttgart, Genoa, Giants Stadium — and you can be sure that the Republic of Ireland’s legendary kitman was there, making sure that the jerseys were neatly laid out and that the water was boiled for the half-time cup of tea.
Along with physio Mick Byrne, O’Leary became one of the most recognisable faces in Jack Charlton’s backroom team, and he continued the role under Mick McCarthy until his retirement in 2000 at the age of 76.
Today, as Charlie celebrates his 88th birthday, we look back at some of the best photos from his years with the Boys in Green.
Happy birthday, Charlie
Happy birthday, Charlie
Happy birthday, Charlie
Happy birthday, Charlie
Happy birthday, Charlie
Happy birthday, Charlie
Happy birthday, Charlie
Happy birthday, Charlie
Happy birthday, Charlie
Happy birthday, Charlie
Happy birthday, Charlie
A legend. RIP.
He has reached the chequered flag for one last time.
Arguably the greatest driver never to win a championship. RIP
@Sean Leisk: No one could argue, four times a runner up and three third place finishes racing agains the like of Fangio, Hawthorn and Brabham among others. Legend, RIP and enjoy the company of Senna et al up in the great racetrack in the sky.
Quute mad he never won a championship. Never knew that. RIP
God bless his soul rip.
Came across as a lovely man.
Another Great Legend leaves us r.i.p Stirling Moss
His wins at Monaco and the Nurburgring in 1961 summed up his ability as a driver and his win at the 1955 Mille Miglia
RIP and a true gentleman, he could have won one of the championships, he was runner up to Mike hawthorn by getting a decision overruled to favour hawthorn in 1958