Roy Keane was amongst those who sent well wishes to Charlie O'Leary as the legendary former Ireland kitman turned 100 during the week.
Friends and family of O'Leary gathered last night at a function to celebrate the milestone achievement with him.
O'Leary performed the important role as the national team's kitman from 1986 through to 2000 coinciding with some of the greatest moments in Irish football history, including the Jack Charlton led team's run to the 1990 World Cup quarter-final in Italy.
12 June 1988; Republic of Ireland's Charlie O'Leary, left and Ray Houghton celebrate after defeating England. European Championship Finals 1988, Group B, Republic of Ireland v England, Neckarstadion, Stuttgart, Germany. Picture credit: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE
Former Ireland manager Steve Staunton was present in the room and spoke, with Keane sending a video message that was played.
Roy Keane has crowd in stitches at Charlie O'Leary's 100th birthday party
"Sorry I can't make your function. I hope you have a great night Charlie, you're a good man," Keane said.
"I have some great memories of working with you. You were obviously very slow to give me my kit, you were always looking after the Dublin lads first but I won't hold that against you," he joked.
"I hope you and your family are good Charlie. I hope you have a great night, you deserve it. You've been a great servant to Irish football and I've got fond memories with you. Jesus, good days we had.
"I wish you all the best, have a great night, god bless."
Roy Keane makes an appearance at Charlie O Learys birthday….. “you always looked after the Dublin lads first”🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/2P6l8zKu46
— Mandy Johnston (@jfjohnston) February 2, 2024
Paul McGrath also took to X (formelly known as Twitter) during the week to wish O'Leary well.
"Happy 100th birthday to a great friend over the years who looked away a few times and kept me out of trouble with Jack. Love you Charlie," he wrote.
Happy 100th birthday to a great friend over the years who looked away a few times and kept me out of trouble with Jack. Love you Charlie 💚 pic.twitter.com/mFGCqRH1hU
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) February 1, 2024
The FAI also sent a message to O'Leary.
"Happy 100th Birthday! Today we celebrate a very special milestone, as former Ireland Men’s Senior Team kitman Charlie O’Leary turns 100! Sending our best wishes to Charlie on his Centenary Birthday."
Happy 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣th Birthday!
Today we celebrate a very special milestone, as former Ireland Men’s Senior Team kitman Charlie O’Leary turns 100! 🥳🎉
Sending our best wishes to Charlie on his Centenary Birthday 💚 pic.twitter.com/JWMOBubzdL— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) February 1, 2024
FAI President Paul Cooke also visited O'Leary to present him with a special gift to mark the occassion.
Exactly what a legend deserves!
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