One of Irish football's unsung heroes, the legendary kitman Charlie O'Leary, celebrates his 99th birthday on Wednesday.
Throughout the '80s and '90s, the Republic of Ireland were a thorn in the side of many international teams. England in '88, Romania in '90 and Italy in '94 all fell victim to Jack Charlton's magic.
By his side during that entire time was the aforementioned O'Leary. But the veteran's story began much earlier than that.
Born on February 1, 1924, O'Leary has the distinction of being alive for every single game Ireland have ever played under the FAI banner, with the very first one coming just months after his birth.
A hurl maker by trade, O'Leary got bit by the soccer bug and soon became immersed in the League of Ireland. Serving as a referee for more than two decades, O'Leary took charge of the 1972 FAI Cup final between Waterford and Cork Hibernians.
It was only in 1986 that O'Leary became a part of the Irish backroom set-up. He had spent a number of years before that acting as a fixer of sorts for opponents who travelled to play Ireland at Lansdowne Road.
The Italians visited on one occasion and O'Leary attended to their every need. He befriended Marco Tardelli on that trip, and for years after, the Italian would ask Liam Brady "how is my little friend, Carlos?''
When he finally became kitman, it didn't take long for him to become one of the most beloved members of the tight-knit group.
Jack Charlton was a huge fan and affectionately referred to O'Leary as 'the little fella.' In a genuinely heartfelt moment, big Jack also labelled O'Leary and the legendary Mick Byrne as 'the essence of the spirit' he wanted to instill amongst his players.
Speaking of the players, their level of admiration for Charlie was also enormous. That feeling persists to this very day. Just last week, Paul McGrath paid tribute to his great friend by posting the following on Twitter:
"Great catch up with my life long pal Charlie today. He tells me he will be 99 next week, he doesn’t look a day over 70. Stay well and healthy Charlie. Ireland’s greatest kit Man."
Throughout the years, the level of respect for O'Leary has remained the same. Even after the end of the Charlton era, O'Leary still formed an important part of Mick McCarthy's backroom staff before eventually retiring in 2000.
Upon hearing news of his great pal's retirement, Charlton had the following to say:
"They haven't gone and got rid of him, have they?''
"I hope not. Because I don't think people like Charlie should ever retire. It's become a way of life to him.''
20 years later, O'Leary was bestowed an enormous honour by the FAI when he was announced as the 21st recipient of the organisation's special merit award alongside partner in crime Mick Byrne.
At the time, then Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn, a prominent figure during the Charlton years, had this to say about the great man:
"If Jack Charlton was the father figure for the Ireland squad from 1986 to 1995 then Charlie O’Leary and Mick Byrne were the two Irish Mammies who looked out for and looked after us all.
"I always think of Charlie and Mick as a pair and it is a pleasure to present him with this Special Merit award of behalf of the FAI and Irish football.
"Charlie is such a special man. He was brilliant with us as players and he was brilliant have around us as players, always with a smile on his, always looking out for you, getting you up in time for training after a good night out and ensuring we had everything we needed to do our best for our country. I congratulate Charlie on this award, it is well deserved."
It really was well deserved as are all the well wishes O'Leary will certainly receive over the coming days.
During Italia '90 and Ireland's visit to the Vatican, he was once famously referred to by Pope John Paul II as the 'brains of the operation.'
Whatever about the brains, he was certainly the heart.
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