Jack Charlton’s status as ‘Honorary Irishman’ was cited frequently during the outpouring of tearful tribute engendered by news of his passing last weekend. But the former Republic of Ireland soccer manager and World Cup winner as a player for England in 1966, the man who masterminded the maiden odysseys of the Boys in Green and their legion of supporters to the European Championships and the World Cup, the conjuror-in-chief of sainted memories for a generation of the nation, could also lay claim to the title of ‘Honorary Monaghanman’ – thanks in large part to his association with the former Town of Monaghan Co-op, for whose Champion Milk product he was an indefatigable marketing ambassador. In the following tribute, former CEO of Town of Monaghan VINCENT GILHAWLEY recalls how this memorable bond was forged and shares his personal memories of the times Big Jack spent in Monaghan…
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