Special Guests on the night Packie Bonner, Tony Galvin & Thomas Morgan
’88 & ’98 Remembered – Special celebratory evening
The London Branch of the Republic of Ireland Soccer Supporters Club hosted a Special Celebratory Event at the Claddagh Ring in Hendon on the evening of Saturday 6th October 2018. The function revived fond memories relating to the achievement of our Senior International Football Team in reaching the finals of the European Championship for the first time thirty years ago in 1988.
We also celebrated the excellent third place finish of our Under 20 side at the 1997 World Championship Finals in Malaysia and the magnificent victories of both our Under 16 and Under 18 sides who became European Champions twenty years ago – the first nation to ever achieve this double success.
We were delighted to be joined on the night by Packie Bonner and Tony Galvin, two stalwarts of that summer of 1988 in Germany together with Thomas Morgan, the captain of our World Bronze Medal winning Under 20 side.
Our three guests provided us with a whole array of fabulous memories of those golden years and it was clearly evident that each of them held nothing but the warmest feelings, gratitude and respect for their respective managers, Jack Charlton and Brian Kerr.
Our evening was enhanced by the excellent meal, service and surroundings provided by Finbar and his team at the Claddagh Ring, while DJ Shox found favour with his exemplary choice of music.
We are grateful to those of our members who, together with their families and friends, took time to join us on the evening and for the many positive plaudits and acknowledgements offered to the Club.
Some feedback from attendees:
"Had a nice day on Sunday with Wesley (Hoolihan) telling him how great the night before went at the Function. Thanks again for the invite, myself and Louise (wife) had a great time on Saturday and met a lot of lovely people who made us feel really welcome." Thomas Morgan
"Thanks for last night. Great to see Packie and Gerry again. An enjoyable evening. Cheers." Tony Galvin
"We thoroughly enjoyed Saturday night for which many thanks." RISSC London Member
"What a Great Time we had at The Claddagh Ring on Saturday Night celebrating in the company of The Sporting Legends of our Youthful Days supporting The Boys in Green ie. Remembering them Momentous Days of Irish Soccer which gave us such Wonderful and Unique Times celebrating in The London Pubs toasting their great achievements on Foreigh Fields; The Company and Craic was Mighty; The Food and Drink was Lovely; Music was Great and The Guests of Honour complimented the evening with their Tales of Days gone By." RISSC London Member