Soccer stars join legendary Ireland kitman Charlie O’Leary at DIFF screening

It was a night of nostalgia and celebration as the Light House Cinema hosted the Lord Mayor’s Gala at the Dublin International Film Festival.

This year’s featured film was The Charlie O’Leary Story – From Johnny Cullen’s Hill to The Olympic Stadium Rome.

The documentary is based on the life and career of the legendary Republic of Ireland kitman.

Charlie O’Leary at the Dublin International Film Festival Lord Mayor’s Gala screening of The Charlie O’Leary Story – From Johnny Cullen’s Hill to The Olympic Stadium Rome. Pic: Brian McEvoy

Charlie, who recently celebrated his 102nd birthday, was joined by a host of friends and family on the red carpet.

Paul McGrath and Niall Quinn were all smiles as they posed for a photograph with Charlie.

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was spotted with his son-in-law and Westlife singer Nicky Byrne and grandson Rocco.

Bertie Ahern (centre) with his son-in-law Nicky Byrne (right) and grandson Rocco (left) at the Dublin International Film Festival Lord Mayor’s Gala screening of The Charlie O’Leary Story – From Johnny Cullen’s Hill to The Olympic Stadium Rome. Pic: Brian McEvoy

Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam was also on hand to greet O’Leary.

Charlie O’Leary is renowned for serving as the Republic of Ireland kitman during the greatest era of Irish football.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam with Charlie O’Leary at the Dublin International Film Festival Lord Mayor’s Gala screening of The Charlie O’Leary Story – From Johnny Cullen’s Hill to The Olympic Stadium Rome. Pic: Brian McEvoy

However, the documentary traces the story back to 1945, when a teenage Charlie established the Dublin football ‘Street Leagues’ in East Wall.

The ‘Street Leagues’ would go on to spread across Dublin and beyond, with many young participants progressing to professional careers at home and abroad, producing legends such as Touhy, Brady, Dunne and Giles. 

Charlie O’Leary (centre) with Niall Quinn (left) and Paul McGrath (right) at the Dublin International Film Festival Lord Mayor’s Gala screening of The Charlie O’Leary Story – From Johnny Cullen’s Hill to The Olympic Stadium Rome. Pic: Brian McEvoy

It was through the leagues that Charlie began his journey as a referee, progressing through the ranks to become one of the first Irish referees affiliated with FIFA.

In 1986, Jack Charlton appointed Charlie as kitman for the Irish national team.

Fergus Dowd and Miriam Dowd at the Dublin International Film Festival Lord Mayor’s Gala screening of The Charlie O’Leary Story – From Johnny Cullen’s Hill to The Olympic Stadium Rome. Pic: Brian McEvoy

The Dublin International Film Festival continues until Sunday, March 1.