by Paul Neilan

DUNBOYNE was paid a flying visit by soccer god Pele last Thursday (26 November).
The students of St Peter’s College and Aviva FAI club of the year
Dunboyne AFC were visited by the revered Number 10 for their efforts
in collecting for his charity ‘Goals for Life’, which raises funds for
medical research into children’s illnesses.
The proceeds will be equally divided between Our Lady’s Children’s
Hospital, Crumlin and the Pelé Little Prince Children’s Hospital in
Brazil.
Edison Arantes do Nascimento, or Pele as he is known world-wide,
received a huge welcome from the gathered students of St Patrick’s
college, Dunboyne AFC, parents, aunties, uncles, organisers,
onlookers, gardai, stewards and soccer fans, who had already been
enjoying a Brazilian-themed mini-festival.
His helicopter arrival in Dunboyne came a little after midday after
the thrice World Cup winner and football ambassador to all visited
Crumlin Children’s Hospital earlier that morning.
As the chopper touched down to the soundtrack of a samba beat, all
eyes were on its cargo as those gathered in the bitingly-cold air
grappled with the surreal sight of Pele poking his head out of the
door and actually setting foot on the Dunboyne AFC pitch.
You had to admit, it was some coup for the school and club and took
some getting used to.
Then a smiling Pele inched his way through a tidal wave of
autograph-hunters (aided by a small security detail) to a stage where
DJ Des King was welcoming him a hundred thousand times.
His introduction was wildly cheered by the crowd (co-attendee John
Delaney’s a little less so) and then… “Hello!”
“He talks!” gasped a witness.
“Hello, Pele!” shouted others.
“Pele autograph for sale,” said a student entrepreneur.
After declaring his love for the Irish, in a manner reminiscent of
Pope John Paul’s, and taking in the raucous welcome, presentations and
photos followed. A scrum of professional cameramen stood firm in a sea
of elbows while fans clicked away on mobiles of the handing over of a
caricature painting of himself, the official ribbon-cutting of the
ground and the presentation of the €2500 cheque.
A local student, introduced on stage as Sergio, spoke to him in
Portuguese, we didn’t get a translation but it went down a treat with
the former Santos man – there was a possible mention of Maradona not
being fit to tie his laces but we couldn’t be 100 per cent.
Principal of St Peter’s College Eamon Gaffney then praised those who
collected for the charity and their contributions to the community.
All the while the samba rhythms filled the air and a carnival
atmosphere made sure spirits were high despite the bitter cold.
Sandwiches and snacks were passed around as the club officials and
students had their moment preserved on film.
“It’s one for the grandkids,” remarked one lucky fan.
It certainly was but Pele was in a rush and had to get back to the helicopter.
“Keep the ball rolling, I love you all!” were his parting words to the crowd.
One of the world’s greatest sportsmen then made his way back to the
chopper, smiling and posing for as many pictures as his handlers
allowed while Irish dancers took the stage to see him off.
Then he was gone. Back in the bird. Over the PA came REM’s ‘Man in the
Moon’. It was strangely fitting. He waved through the window to his
hosts while the FAI’s helicopter took him back to Planet Pele. And
left us rubbing our eyes wondering if it really happened at all.
After the whirr of the rotor had faded, minds had to be forcibly set
back to reality-mode.
But for a an-oh-so-sweetly-savoured half an hour or so, worlds
collided and Pele DID come to Dunboyne.