A special occasion In Glasgow as Celtic and Republic of Ireland supporters honour Packie Bonner
Parkhead home to Glasgow Celtic was awash with green, white and gold as a Republic of Ireland selection visited for a testimonial game for Packie Bonner.
Supporters travelled from all corners of Ireland to honour the outstanding service Packie Bonner has given to both club and country. For many in attendance, the result was secondary. On a day like this, nobody could lose.
They came by air, road and sea from all over Ireland but particularly from Donegal.
Packie Bonner had spent 13 years playing in goal for Celtic and this occasion was a rare one with his club taking on his country. He has his son Andrew and nephew Denis with him for the occasion.
Celtic edged the contest 3–2, thanks to a Gerry Creaney hat-trick. The Republic of Ireland goals came from Bernie Slaven and David Kelly. Packie Bonner’s brother Denis, who played his club football with Sligo Rovers, was introduced as a substitute for the Republic of Ireland, further underlining the family nature of the occasion. Twenty six members of the Bonner family, including his mother Gracie, were at Parkhead for the occasion.
After the final whistle, an emotional Packie Bonner paid tribute to the players and supporters of both Celtic and the Republic of Ireland before completing a lap of honour.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 13 May 1991. The reporter is Eileen Magnier.
