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Tommy Martin: Right place, right time - we loved Toto Schillaci for his part in our summer of a lifetime

Nothing became Italia ’90 like Ireland’s leaving of it and the affection that we came to hold for the man who ended the dream.

Wed, 18 Sep, 2024 - 19:55

Tommy Martin

Tommy Martin is a broadcaster and presenter who writes on a broad range of Irish and international sport’s topics.

“F*ck Schillaci” it said on the t-shirt worn by Colm Meaney in The Van, but we never really meant it.

Nothing became Italia ’90 like Ireland’s leaving of it and the affection that we came to hold for the man who ended the dream. Toto Schillaci’s death at the age of 59 is another chance to pull out the emotional scrapbook and relive that worn-out old summer of joy. Schillaci spinning away in celebration, Packie Bonner on his knees, that sinking feeling of bitter disappointment – oh, how we’d love to be back there again.

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