Coleraine's Eoin Bradley admits it was “emotional” being reunited with his 2018 Irish Cup medal at this morning's funeral of James Nesbitt Snr.
Bradley had presented James Snr, father of Northern Irish actor Jimmy, with the keepsake after scoring in a 3-1 win over Cliftonville in the blue riband showpiece two years ago.
But after a small service in Castlerock earlier today, the Bannsiders striker was told it was the 91-year-old’s dying wish that the medal be returned to his possession.
“Jimmy walked over to me at the funeral and told me it was one of his father’s last wishes for me to have the medal back,” said Bradley.
“I saw him coming over and noticed the ribbon wrapped around his hand. It was definitely emotional when he handed me the medal.
“I didn’t expect to get it back but it’s definitely something I’ll treasure now.”
Bradley was befriended by James Snr, who was a longtime and passionate supporter of Coleraine, when he first joined the Ballycastle Road club in 2013.
“The first time we met I had just signed for Coleraine and I was suspended or injured, so I was upstairs in a viewing lounge watching the match out the window,” he said.
“I was actually sitting with a pint and James Snr was shouting out the window supporting the team. He turned to me and said ‘pity you weren’t out there, son’.
“I didn’t know him from Adam at that stage but we got chatting about football and we went on to get to know each other well.
“He was a humorous man and a big Coleraine supporter. He would have gone to nearly all the matches and didn’t miss too many.
“He was a longtime supporter and you always saw him about the place. He was very good to the players."
Bradley sat beside James Snr on the team coach travelling to the 2018 final at Windsor Park when he scored a superb lobbed effort to seal a memorable 3-1 win.
Victory delivered Coleraine's first Irish Cup in 15 years.
“I was with him on the coach and on the way up to Belfast he said ‘score a goal for me’,” recalled Bradley. “I replied ‘I’ll try’ and thankfully it worked out that way.
“I presented him with my medal in the changing room afterwards because I thought it might be a nice gesture and would give him some joy. I know he was delighted.
“I don’t actually collect or keep any medals I have. It’s not something I do - my shirts would hold more memories for me - but this is definitely one I’ll cherish.”
Tributes were paid to Mr Nesbitt, who died on Friday aged 91, outside the family home in Castlerock, near Coleraine, before interment at Downhill Burying Ground.
A song by Harry Connick Jr was played as the cortege passed mourners lining the route.
