Heroes honoured in their home place

THEIR names are famous throughout the sporting world but last night they were feted by the people who remember them as babies.

Drogheda’s three World Cup stars, Steve Staunton, 33, and the uncle and nephew duo of Gary Kelly, 28, and Ian Harte, 25, were honoured at a civic reception in the town.

But, unfortunately, Gary Kelly was unable to turn up. However, his teammates were presented with framed scrolls paying tribute to their achievements in the game.

The Mayor of Drogheda, Malachy Godfrey, said the players had brought great pride to the town.

“The people of Dundalk and Drogheda are very proud of these men who have played at the highest level during their careers.

“They have been exceptional ambassadors for the town and the county. There are no sportsmen more deserving of this honour,” he said.

Veteran Staunton blazed the trail for his near neighbours when he made the breakthrough after being selected to play for the national team in 1988.

He went on to captain the team in Japan and Korea and he is the only Irish player to play in three World Cups.

All three players were born at Our Lady of Lourdes’ hospital in the town, but defender Staunton grew up in Dundalk.

Kelly and Harte attended St Oliver’s Community College before going to England to join Leeds when they were teenagers.

The uncle and nephew immediately made an impact and they soon linked up with their neighbour on the national team.

But the success story all started in the Louth town, with Kelly learning his earliest skills with Drogheda Boys while Harte first kicked a ball with local club Newfield.

Kelly was recently given the freedom of Drogheda after he donated funds from his testimonial game to improve cancer support services there.

All the players’ families were at the reception in the Boyne Valley Hotel, including Gary Kelly’s 11 siblings who live locally.

Kelly’s oldest sister, Lena, is Ian Harte’s mother.