Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz presents Ireland/Man U football legend Denis Irwin with a customized jersey
When you have a name like Brian Patrick Hickey, and a press pass to the local futbol side, you’re morally, ethically and professionally required to go to any press conference featuring a legendary Irish fullback with more caps than a Pepsi factory.
And, though the reason Denis Irwin was in town was to draw attention to Manchester United’s North American Summer Tour that comes to town July 21 when the Union will try their luck against one of the world’s storied franchises (though, presumably, without their World Cup-bound players), I knew what I had to ask.
Namely, how will the Irishman feel watching France play in that World Cup, considering they were one flagrant rat fink away from qualifying (and an admittedly-apologetic rat fink who will likely join the MLS soon) …
Here’s what Irwin told me when I asked, “How will it feel watching the French in the World Cup”?
Horrible. When it happened I was walking through the Sahara for charity, and the text messages just kept coming it. Five days later, I saw [Thierry Henry’s hand ball which led to the goal which ultimately eliminated Ireland from qualifying] for the first time. Unfortunately, it happened.
When I noted that even as an Irish-American, I was disgusted, dismayed and, quite frankly, still reeling, he laughed a laugh that said I didn’t know the half of it.
The Irish public wants France to go out [of the tournament as quickly as possible.
So, on behalf of Irwin’s homeland, I urge you to root lustily for Mexico, Uruguay and South Africa in the group stage.
And, as a side note, when Man U was here to open the Linc itself versus Barca, being on the field to see Ronaldinho practice was a life-lingering memory. Man U would take the Linc’s inaugural event 3-1.