The 1991 FAI Cup final has special significance for President of Ireland Michael D Higgins even beyond the fact that his beloved Galway United lifted the trophy after edging Shamrock Rovers 1-0 at the decider in Landsdowne Road.
Speaking at Aras an Uachtarain in the build up to the President's Cup between Cork City and Dundalk which took place last night and finished 3-0 to John Caulfield's side, President Higgins told Ger Gilroy that his son John was a ball boy on the day.
"Yes, he was [a ball boy]. My son John. John produces The Zoo on RTE by the way and he's a film-maker now. But when we look back at the video, he's the first on after Johnny Glynn scored the goal," he said.
John Glynn lifts the cup for Galway United ©INPHO/James Meehan
"I had twin boys. They came to the soccer and then of course a very loyal supporter of Galway United to this day is my youngest son Daniel who is a very good footballer. At underage level, he was captain of [Galway club] Newcastle United. He was able to read the game very, very well."
The annual President's Cup which pitches the league champions against the FAI Cup winners is something that was founded in 2014.
"We started that in 2014. It was just after I'd come into the presidency and the whole purpose of it was to take the two teams that have distinguished themselves, one winning the league and one winning the cup," he said.
"The players themselves were very interested in what was involved. I enjoyed it. I've been able to attend every year except this year I'll be abroad when it takes place. So that's why I have asked the two managers and representatives of the teams to join me this afternoon for example."
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