When the legendary Jack Charlton was laid to rest, a passage from the eulogy of his eldest son John deeply resonated with Irish supporters.
“We will get over to Ireland when the time is right and with the help of the FAI, we will have an Irish send-off for my dad. We all look forward to that but in the meantime, we want to thank you all for everything over the last fortnight. Your support has been really special for us all," said John Charlton.
While it has still only been a few weeks since 'Big Jack' left us, the sense of mourning is still very raw because so many Irish supporters didn't get a chance to say their farewells.
Well, Virgin Media's new documentary Finding Jack Charlton is bound to be a poignant powerful, and wonderful tribute to a man that gave our country so many happy memories.
BRAND NEW: Documentary ‘Finding Jack Charlton’ is an emotional and inspirational documentary of an Irish football icon like no other. This is one nobody will want to miss! #VMTVupfronts #JackCharlton pic.twitter.com/ztK33lKYbC
— Virgin Media Television (@VirginMedia_TV) August 28, 2020
The broadcaster announced details of the new documentary today as they unveiled their new slate of programming for the Autumn season.
In terms of an official synopsis, it states: "Filmed during the last eighteen months of the late sporting hero’s life, Finding Jack Charlton is an emotional and inspirational documentary of an Irish football icon like no other.
"This production details Jack’s previously undocumented life with dementia, offering an intimate and compelling insight into Jack the man and the challenge faced by thousands of families universally. The documentary features key characters from throughout Jack’s career, with contributions from Jack’s family for the first time, his wife Pat and son John."
Having read that description, there's bound not be a dry eye in the country when it airs.
At present, a premiere date hasn't been announced but the documentary is just one of the many highlights on Virgin Media's slate of new programming.
Lisa McGee's new murder-mystery The Deceived starring Emmet J Scanlon and Paul Mescal launches on September 7 on Virgin Media One. Lodging with Lucy comes to Virgin Media One as Lucy Kennedy invites a host of Irish celebrities to stay with her, starting with Irish football legend Paul McGrath.
Big Year In Big School is a brand new documentary series that offers an intimate window into the ups, downs, tears, tantrums and triumphs that unfold as we follow kids entering their first year of school.
Hallelujah, sport is back and we've got the conclusion of the Guinness Six Nations, the UEFA Super Cup, and the new Champions League/Europa League campaigns to enjoy this Autumn.
September also sees the return of the UEFA Nations League and Virgin Media Sport will have all the best games on each match-day, including highlights of all the Republic of Ireland's games.
They'll also have the Euro 2020 playoff semi-finals and finals.
Aside from this, Gogglebox Ireland, The Chase, Des, Singapore Grip, The Guards: Inside The K, First Love, Beat The Chasers, Life Under Lockdown: Covid-19 in Ireland, Vicky Phelan: The Big Interview, Trigger Point, Anne, I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here and the Irish TV premiere of Black '47 are all bound to interest viewers.
