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WATCH: Italia 90 scenes recreated as Ireland remembers Jack Charlton

Irish fans gathered at Walkinstown Roundabout to pay tribute to Jack Charlton on the day of his f...



WATCH: Italia 90 scenes recrea...
Soccer

WATCH: Italia 90 scenes recreated as Ireland remembers Jack Charlton

Irish fans gathered at Walkinstown Roundabout to pay tribute to Jack Charlton on the day of his funeral.

The same roundabout was the location of famous celebrations after Ireland’s historic victory over Romania at Italia 90.

Today, over 30 years on, hundreds of Ireland fans recreated the unforgettable moments by turning out dressed in green to dance and sing.

Charlton brought unprecedented success to the national side in his time in charge. He guided the team to their first major finals at Euro 88 and two more in the space of 10 years, qualifying for the World Cup in Italy in 1990 and four years later in 1994.

But as the tributes have shown since his death, Charlton's influence went beyond the action on the pitch. He and his team's exploits gave many Irish people some of the happiest days of their lives.

"He was an icon not confined to any time period," President Michael D. Higgins said of Charlton.

The footballing legend was also remembered in Mayo, a place where he often visited in his later life.

A new mural in his honour was unveiled in Ballina today with many locals present.

At 12.30pm, radio stations across the country played the iconic Italia 90 anthem 'Put 'Em Under Pressure' in tribute to Charlton.

As of yesterday, nearly 20,000 people had signed the FAI’s virtual book of condolences.

In the UK, Charlton’s funeral procession passed through Ashington, the former mining town where he was born in May, 1935. Hundreds of people lined the streets to say one final goodbye.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a reduced-size funeral service was held with just 20 of the former Leeds United and England star's closest family and friends in attendance.

At the small family gathering on Tuesday afternoon, Big Jack was finally laid to rest.

"Grandad Jack was a proud northerner," began Charlton's granddaughter in a shared eulogy, "a proud Englishman and a proud honorary Irishman."

"Ireland was a great fit for Grandad. The people, the craic, the salmon fishing, the Guinness, and a bit of football thrown in. We've been overwhelmed with the kindness from Ireland. One that really stood out said that Grandad did the near-impossible and transcended politics.

"Some called him the English Irishman, but why recognise the divide that he so affably rose above? He was simply both man and the man."

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