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| Ilford Bhoys at Lisbon airport |
Titch making friends | Making friends with Benfica fans |
12 Blokes, 1 Beer ? |
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| Ilford Bhoy at Estadio Nacional | Ilford Bhoy at National Stadium | Ilford Bhoy etc... | Time for another beer... |
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| Celtic Team on the pitch | Lisbon Lions on the pitch | Ilford Bhoys on THE pitch. | Time for another beer... |
The Bhoys Of Ilford had a grand old time during the organised trip to Lisbon for the Benfica vs Celtic Champions League game in November 2006.
Around fifteen members made the trip, in two main groups and met up with other stragglers.
The highlight of the trip was the visit to the National Stadium, the venue for Celtics greatest achievement, where the brave Ilfordios endured
the pi**ing rain to avenge the 3-0 reverse by trouncing the Estadio Nancional ground staff 1-0 in a kick about match.
Highlights of the 'match' were Darren, Titch and Eddie O'Neill re-enacting the Gemmell & Chalmers goals and Titch copying Jim Craigs penalty tackle.
The stadium is still the same as you see on the old black and white pictures and the visit was made special by the appearance of some of the Lisbon Lions themselves.
The Benfica stadium was magnificent and their supporters were very friendly and seemed to enjoy having the Celtic fans in town. The eagle that swooped down to the pitch prior to kick of was something special, although Neil from Cork was not over impressed when it decided to spread its wings while he was having his photo taken with it.
As usual the craic after the game was in the best Celtic tradition and for some did not end until the very early hours
Best wishes to John Layden (the trip co-coordinator) who was unwell while in Lisbon and in fact ended up in hospital on his return.