The great Paul McGrath - in the discussion for best player ever to line out for the Republic of Ireland national team - is 65 today, and we have just the trick to pay tribute to a titan of Irish football.
We have a lovely slice of 90's nostalgia here for you today, as we have stumbled upon some glorious photos from McGrath's testimonial at Landsdowne Road on May 17th 1998. An Ireland XI played an International XI comprised of players from McGrath's club teams such as Derby, Aston Villa and Manchester United, and the line-ups were stacked full of cult heroes.
39,000 fans packed into the national stadium to pay tribute to one of this country's greatest ever sporting heroes, around six months after he was forced to retire through injury after a brief spell with Sheffield United.
The Ireland XI was managed by Jack Charlton, a touching nod to the man who played such a pivotal role not only in Ireland's emergence as a footballing force, but was also such an important figure in the personal life of McGrath himself.
It was a poignant day for a number of reasons - perhaps none moreso than the fact that McGrath could only manage the final eight minutes of the game as a player, with injuries laying waste to any hope of him playing the full game.
The cheer which met his arrival on the pitch was the biggest of the day - perhaps only challenged by the reception given to John Aldridge when he appeared for what was also his final appearance in Lansdowne Road.
A special day in Dublin, and you can see for yourself below. And, of course, we wish Paul McGrath a very happy 64th birthday.
READ HERE: Gary Lineker Explains Why Paul McGrath Was Perhaps His Toughest Opponent
READ HERE: These Are The Irish Footballers Who've Received Ballon D'Or Votes
The very best shots of Paul McGrath's 1998 testimonial
Gary Kelly and Paulo Wanchope fight for the ball.
Dwight Yorke tries in vain to keep up with the pace of Ray Houghton.
Big Jack took charge on the touchline
Christian Dailly and Rory Delap look on as Mark Bosnich collects the ball.
Andy Cole had the toughest game of his career against young defenders Gary Breen and Richard Dunne.
Dean Kiely rocking the iconc purple "acid trip" keeper jersey of the late 90's.
Dean Saunders and Phil Babb in action. This game was packed with stars.
The man himself got a great reception.
Photo credit: Sportsfile
The original version of this article was written by Mikey Traynor in 2014
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