Harry enters Hall of Fame in Dublin
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Dr. Harry Gregg after being included in the Texaco Hall of Fame.
COLERAINE man Harry Gregg has capped a memorable year by being inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2008 Texaco Sportstars of the Year Awards at a glittering ceremony in Dublin.
The former Man Utd and NI international goalkeeper was presented with his award at a gala dinner in the Four Seasons Hotel in front of the great and the good of Irish sport.
It completes a remarkable year for Gregg who less than two weeks ago was the first inductee of the Hall of Fame at the Coleraine Sports Awards while he also received a Pride of Britain award from the British Prime Minister in London earlier this year.
Speaking to the Chronicle, Harry said he was honoured to have been included in the Hall of Fame and to have rubbed shoulders with some of Ireland's greatest sportsmen and sportswomen.
“It was really wonderful," said Harry. "We were well so well looked after and it was great to meet so many top sports people from a variety of sports.
“I was the last on which was a bit nerve-wracking but I have to say it's a terrific honour both for myself and my family, some of whom accompanied me to the event."
Also present was former Institute manager Liam Beckett, who admitted he couldn't believe the reverence with which his friend was treated.
“The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, who presented a number of awards, came up to speak to Harry and told him that he was his idol," said Liam.
“There was a standing ovation when he went up to receive his award and when he came down again there were queues of people, including the likes of Gay Byrne and other award winners, lining up to get his autograph and to get their photo taken with him.
“Organisers said they had never seen a reaction like it, which just goes to show how well thought Harry is throughout Ireland, both north and south," added Liam.
In his address to guests, the Taoiseach said 'this year's Hall of Fame recipient is every bit as outstanding as his distinguished predecessors.'
“Harry Gregg has earned the esteem of soccer players and enthusiasts on both sides of the Irish Sea," said Mr Cowen.
“Arguably, one of the best goalkeepers Manchester United ever had, he has inspired a whole generation, as player, coach and manager.
“His courage has, of course, transcended the realm of sport and it is appropriate that, on the 50th anniversary of the terrible tragedy of the Munich Air Crash, he is to be awarded a Texaco Hall of Fame Award," he added.
Other award winners on the evening included golfer Padraig Harrington, horse racing's Aiden O'Brien, rugby player Ronan O'Gara and Olympic medallist, boxer Kenny Egan.
“It was a great night and completes a memorable year for me," added Harry. "I've met a lot of people and won a few awards but every bit as important to me is the bursary which has been created in my name by Coleraine Sports Council. In many ways, that is more important than being inducted into the Hall of Fame, as it means young people will hopefully get the chance to experience some of the great times in sport that I have done."
