Ambassador of Ireland presented award to the family of Jack Charlton in Newcastle
News
23 May 2022
Ambassador of Ireland to Great Britain, His Excellency Adrian O’Neill, visited Newcastle on 23rd May 2022 with Consul General of Ireland for the North England, Sarah Mangan.
The Ambassador’s programme included a courtesy call with the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Habib Rahman, and a meeting with Mayor of North of Tyne, Jamie Driscoll.
The Ambassador attended a reception for the Irish community at the Tyneside Irish Centre, 43 Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4SG. The Ambassador used this occasion to present the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad, awarded to Jack Charlton, to his son John Charlton.
As the name suggests, the Award presented by the President of Ireland to Irish citizens, or those of Irish heritage, as a means to recognise the contribution of members of the Irish diaspora.
In the case of Jack Charlton it was recognised that he had rendered distinguished service to the Irish nation and its reputation abroad, and actively and demonstrably contributed to Ireland, its international reputation, and Irish communities abroad. The Award for Jack Charlton was announced in November 2020, but due to the pandemic it was not possible to hold the awards ceremony at the President’s residence that year.
Ambassador O’Neill remarked: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to make a formal presentation of the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad to Jack Charlton’s family so close to his home place. It will also be special to have representatives of the Irish community, to whom Jack meant so much, present at the event.
“Jack managed the Irish senior men’s team for a decade from 1986 to 1996. At the time of his departure as manager he had earned honorary citizenship of Ireland after leading the Irish team to two World Cups and a European Championship, and inspiring unheard of public jubilation and a cultural confidence that touched everyone in Ireland”
The presentation follows on from an appearance by John Charlton on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show on Friday 20th May, when Jack Charlton’s contribution to Irish football was duly acknowledged as part of a celebration of the centenary of the Football Association of Ireland. During the show John was presented with a book of condolence messages on the death of his father from the people of Ireland by former Irish International Paul McGrath.