Here's a wee excerpt from a programme article I did for CCFC v Djurgardens. It just recalls an incident from the night before the away leg, as Pat maintained a long-standing personal tradition:
"There’s a nice little cameo about to unfold this evening. Pat McAuliffe likes to get togged off at these training spins so he can modestly tell the world that he played and scored at Bayern Munich, Slavia Prague, Gothenburg, Malmo and so on. The Rasunda is too tempting for Pat to let the chance go by. While he’s inside getting changed, Noelle Feeney organises a guard of honour for him by the tunnel and we’re all lined up waiting for the Great One. The stadium officials are bemused, wondering what the fuss can be about. Out runs Pat, like a star signing, and we applaud and cheer loudly. McAuliffe takes it all in his stride, hands over his head clapping like a Beckham or a Ronaldo and straight out into the middle of the pitch he goes where he claps and waves to each empty stand in turn and laps up an imaginary ovation. He’s a gas man, is Pat. Damien and Hilly, meanwhile, are working the lads away all the time in the background."
...Schwanholz, Herisau: a little bit of heaven...
RIP Jimmy Dainty - legendary player for Dundalk during the McLaughlin era.He remained a regular attendee at Dundalk matches long after his departure from OP.
He also played for Waterford & Sligo Rovers.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
https://www.dundalkfc.com/jimmy-dainty-r-i-p/
Jimmy Dainty, what a player, a wizzard on the right wing winning two leagues and two cups for Dundalk between 1976 and 1980 including a double (79), he was a first cousin of the keeper of the time, Richie Blackmore, both came over from the Birmingham area mid 70's.
He was one of my very earliest memories as a young Dundalk fan.
#DundalkFC - First Irish club to win an away game in Europe (1963), first Irish club to win points in a group stage in Europe (2016).
RIP Gerry Brennan, life long Pats who has been ill the last decade or so. I’d say most would remember him and his wife from the late 90’s at Pats.
RIP Rona.
How Con held it together tonight shows what a professional he truly is.
Thoughts him and his family tonight.
Tony Izzi has passed away in Italy aged only 48.
RIP
https://kesslereffect.bandcamp.com/album/kepler - New music. It's not that bad.
IN addition to Cobh Ramblers he also played with St Pat's, Limerick, Athlone Town, Shelbourne and Dundalk
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/former-shelbourne-and-dundalk-striker-antonio-izzi-has-died-in-italy-aged-48-38413344.html
Michael "Locker" Davis passed away this morning, three days before the testimonial events to raise funds for his healthcare.
Very sad.
Rest in peace Noel Melvin,only 48 shocked by that
Irish by birth ,Harps by the grace of god.
One-time foot.ie poster and UCD fan Quack (real name Seamus Sweeney) was the hiker who died out walking with his family with his family in the Comeragh mountains last week.
Christ, I think I posted on here only a few months ago that I was at a lecture Noel Melvin gave. Remember thinking what a nice fella he seemed. RIP Noel, and to Seamus though I didn't know him.
Upwards to the vanguard where the pressure is too high.
Very sad to hear this, Noel Melvin was a fine footballer, gave 100% to DFC in very challenging times, late 90's. RIP
#DundalkFC - First Irish club to win an away game in Europe (1963), first Irish club to win points in a group stage in Europe (2016).
Dundalk FC Whos Who entry, courtesy of Jim Murphy
http://www.dundalkfcwhoswho.com/player.php?id=440
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
Really saddened and shocked to see about Noel Melvin last night. Noel would be the first to admit that he wasn't the greatest footballer, but he worked hard to make the most of his football career, and indeed his life. I met Noel at work when he proved to be an excellent and inspiring trainer. When I mentioned that I was a Dundalk fan he happily chatted to me for a good half hour and when I bumped into him a year later in Oriel he knew who I was. A really kind, warm, hard-working, intelligent, charming guy.
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