John Delaney's talents are numerous, which is no surprise to anyone familiar to the remarkable Barry Egan directed 'John the Baptist' documentary. Delaney "could run anything" in Denis O'Brien's opinion, as the FAI CEO was hailed for his ability to navigate the complex politics of the FAI.
He has a reputation for no-nonsense dealings with the football family: brazenly securing compensation and extra tournament tickets in meetings where no other administrator dare go.
The documentary also revealed Delaney to be a warm-hearted man as Delaney's mother recalled the moment he gifted a traveller boy his shoes as a child.
Which brings us to Delaney's cultural influence. Is it too far a reach to suggest it is hardly a coincidence that Irish fans began singing 'Shoes Off For The Boys In Green' in the aftermath of Delaney removing his shoes and proffering them as a symbol of the crossing of cultural barriers?
Whether or not you subscribe to this view (to be honest, there are probably more sceptics than supporters of the above), we have just come across another cultural phenomenon for Delaney to lay claim to?
One of the greatest developments of fan culture in the twenty-first century has been the exponential increase of Lads Lurking In The Background of TV interviews. It is something we have analysed here.
Where did this all begin?
It appears it may have begun with one J.Delaney, esq. Have a look at the background of this interview with Jack Charlton following Liam Brady's testimonial at Landsdowne Road in 1990.
You will spot over Charlton's left shoulder the bespectacled figure of a 23 year old who would go on to be the saviour of Irish football.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xURTOMVFzuw
Thanks go to Ireland's finest archivist, KillianM2 on Youtube.
