Bertie Ahern, Taoiseach
One of my earliest memories of Manchester United is the catastrophic Munich air disaster. I was six and did not fully understand at the time why a deep gloom prevailed in our house as news of the tragedy filtered through from radio reports, my soccer-mad older brothers waiting for news of their heroes such as Foulkes and Charlton and particularly Liam Whelan, a local lad from Drumcondra. Out of the horror of Munich emerged the Busby Babes with a new and exciting brand of football that captured the public imagination. From then on all the talk, around my area anyway, seemed to be about this new United side. At our kick-around in the schoolyard everyone wanted to be a Red Devil. More and more I began to adopt United as my club. And when George Best appeared on the scene United, for me, were simply the most exciting and glamorous club in the world. I have been hooked ever since.
I think the strong Irish representation at United down through the years galvanised support on this side of the water. My football world was dominated by names such as Giles, Dunne and Brennan. Later on came Dunphy, Roach, Daly and Martin followed by Stapleton, Moran, Whiteside, Grimes and more - right up to the current squad with Keane and Irwin.
My all-time great memory is still the 1968 European Cup win. What a night, with Best in one of his most magical performances. We didn't have TV in the house but I remember being glued (if you can be to a radio) to the BBC commentary. It was fantastic. My worst memory was being relegated to the then Second Division in 1974, compounded by the fact that a former United great, Denis Law, scored the goal which helped consign us to the drop.
If pushed to name my favourite player over the years I would have to say Bobby Charlton. Compared to Best, who was the most naturally gifted player I have seen, he probably seemed a bit stuffy but boy, did he score some fantastic goals, and he was the consummate team player. Of the current crop (I will probably stand accused of playing the Irish card) I admire Irwin and Keane. Irwin because he gets on with the business of defending in such an understated but very effective way: when Alex Ferguson says you are one of the best buys he has made, that's praise indeed.
I think Keane is the best midfielder of his generation. What I particularly admire is the determination he displayed when he came back from what was potentially a career-threatening injury to captain the side, putting to rest any reservations some had about his temperament. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength.
