Irish sporting legend visits Mayo town pub

COMMUNITY NOTES: CHARLESTOWN - WESTERN PEOPLE (AUGUST 27 EDITION)

Former well-known international soccer star and Dublin footballer Kevin Moran popped into Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown for a visit while passing through the town recently.

Kevin was one of Dublin’s finest players in their fabulous team of the 1970s winning two All-Ireland football titles in 1976 and 1977 where he lined out at centre-back and delivered some stellar displays with his athleticism, power and mobility proving crucial to Dublin’s successes in both years.

Kevin later went on to forge a brilliant career with Manchester United where he became a lynchpin in the United defence and played at centre-back for the best part of a decade - winning two FA Cup medals in 1983 and 1985 with his strength in the tackle, aerial ability and tenacity.

Kevin also won 71 caps for Ireland and played in the European Championships in 1988 and the World Cup in 1990. He also had a spell in Spain with Sporting Gijon and made the most out of his talents with his determination, doggedness and spirit - just some of his many outstanding qualities.

Kevin was and remains one of Dublin’s and Ireland’s most easily recognisable and best-remembered players with a very down-to-earth, friendly and affable nature and he was only too happy to pose for pictures with the locals in Walsh’s Bar and engage in friendly chat and banter which made his visit all the more memorable and special. 

Kevin’s wife Eleanor is a native of Westport and he is a regular visitor to the town where he has struck up many friendships over the years.