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| JACK CHARLTON |
A Great Night in Vancouver for Soccer Legend Jack Charlton
Dear Editor:
What started out as a quiet family holiday to Vancouver, with my wife Pat to visit with long time friends Betty and Harry Christie turned into 16 hectic days of parties, fun and visits with friends made on previous trips to British Columbia.
Included on our itinerary was a one-week cruise to Alaska where we sailed up the Inside Passage to visit coastal communities in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan and a three-hour visit to the Hubbard Glacier.
During our voyage we met with many Irish and British passengers and it was great to discuss areas of mutual interest – football and what’s happening in Ireland and England.
Because Harry was celebrating his 71st birthday, Pat and I were invited to accompany the Christies to the Scottish Cultural Centre where the Moray Nairn and Banff Association, a Scottish cultural association, had arranged a party for my Scottish friend.
As the party progressed, it become apparent that the party was to help me celebrate my 70th which was on May 8. The gathering included many lads from Ireland, notable among them was a group of players who represent the Irish Harps Club of Vancouver and it was a special thrill to be able to chat with the bhoys about my days as the manager of the Republic Football Team.
In addition it was great to meet up with my long time friend Chief Engineer Michael Coughlin and some of his crew who maintain the cruise liners which ply the Alaskan waters for the Princess Cruise Line.
While I was the last to know about the party, it was an especially great evening and my thanks to my Scottish friends for including me in Harry’s birthday party proceedings. My time with my newfound Irish friends was all too short, however a short time with the Lads from the Emerald Isle is always enjoyable.
Best Wishes,
Jack Charlton
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