At the end of Alan McLoughlin's autobiography the former Republic of Ireland midfielder delivered a couple of intriguing and sharp sentences. For anybody with a footballing interest and green blood running through their veins a certain night on November 17, 1993 will always be remembered. McLoughlin's contribution to the narrative was key.
Times were tough off the pitch in Belfast, even watching on television the raw Windsor Park atmosphere was evident. It was an incredibly tense and bitter match in which Northern Ireland summoned a wonderfully defiant display. Under severe duress and with a World Cup spot on the line the Republic of Ireland eventually filched an equaliser ensuring a summer in the United States of America was next on the agenda for many.
McLoughlin's sweet volley remains crystal clear in the mind, unaffected by the two decades in between. “I think back to Big Jack telling the cameras that, with that goal, I’d justified my existence,” McLoughlin wrote in his book. “And I reflect, with a wry smile, that yes, when all is said and done I’ve done exactly that.”
On Friday night at the Crown Moran Hotel McLoughlin will undoubtedly be asked to recall that goal. It promises to be a particularly interesting gathering for the RISSC (London), who have continued to follow Ireland passionately through the rare good and unfortunately mostly bad days which have followed that heady evening in Belfast.
What did it mean at the time to produce such a crucial strike? Did his international career go as smoothly as planned after the goal? McLoughlin's career and life has brought him to all sorts of deep places so it promises to be a revealing couple of hours listening to how it all impacted on the man himself. Most people have a story to tell about that evening when Ireland booked a place at only our second ever World Cup; McLoughlin certainly does.
That was one highlight in McLoughlin's sporting journey, but few are better placed to supply an assessment on the current state of the professional game. Before retiring as a player McLoughlin sampled what it was like in different avenues of the Football League, another reason why his views are worth hearing.
Currently employed with Swindon Town's Academy McLoughlin has featured as a pundit for the now defunct Portsmouth station The Quay and BBC Radio Solent. Friday's event will also be attended by Dr Bryce Evans, a Pompey and Irish fan, who occupied a significant role in the compilation of McLoughlin's autobiography.
**Alan McLoughlin and Dr Bryce Evans are the special guests at the RISSC London's Friday, March 20 meeting at 8pm at the Crown Moran Hotel.
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