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2004
Gordon Banks - a hero who could fly |
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For
author Don Mullan, during his childhood in Northern Ireland, hope
and inspiration came from the most unlikely source; England and Stoke
legend Gordon Banks.
He tells his story. |
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Don
Mullan has written a number of books on his homeland.
He now lives in Dublin with his wife and three children. |
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Today
I am described as a best-selling author and people are confused when
I tell them I am dyslexic. I am.
A characteristic of dyslexic children is low self-esteem, crippling
self-doubts and poor coordination.
Gordon
Banks Portrait
Artist Alan Damms was commissioned by author Don Mullan to
paint his favourite image of Gordon in action
Click here to see it
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There were times as a boy I felt so low I could have crawled under
a snake. When we'd gather in a nearby field to play soccer, the two
best players began by picking their teams.
The last two chosen had only one option: goalkeeper. That's how I
ended up between the posts.
In time
I grew to love the position and the legendary England goalkeeper Gordon
Banks became my idol. As a young Irish boy I didn't understand history
or politics.
I wore a yellow goalkeepers top and found a crest with three lions
which my mother sewed on. So, when I turned out for my street soccer
team, I was dressed as the England goalkeeper!
Bloody Sunday
At the age of 15 I witnessed Bloody Sunday and, like many of my age
group, I considered joining the IRA. I understood why many did but
there were a number of reasons why I never made that choice.
My parents were one reason, my football manager and a best friend
another. But one important reason was my sporting idol, Gordon Banks.
I loved that man.
As
a youth I instinctively knew him to be an ordinary, decent and down-to-earth
human being whom I wanted to model my life on. Banksy was like a friend
who lived in my mind and who filled me with hope.
Troubles
As the Irish 'Troubles' raged around me I had an English hero who
could fly. From being a timid, fearful young boy, he taught me that
impossible doesn't exist. Unknown to him he helped save a young fan
from making choices that had already brought too much sorrow and sadness
to Irish and British alike.
Who knows? Perhaps it was his best save ever. |
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BBC
Stoke and Staffordshire
Cheapside
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST1 1JJ
tel: (+44) 01782 221281
e-mail: stoke@bbc.co.uk
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