Derek McKinley, a member of the C of I, was honoured with a testimonial dinner in Belfast as former and present players and managers paid tribute to his remarkable 30 years of service to the international squad.
The 71-year-old retired from international duty last month, having served as team attendant for the Northern Ireland squad for 228 international matches.
Over the course of three decades, the Carryduff man has experienced many highs and lows, including qualification for two consecutive World Cups in 1982 and 1986 and a goalless run for the team of 13 consecutive matches under the stewardship of Sammy McIlroy.
McKinley, originally from Buncrana in Co Donegal, has links with St Simon’s Belfast and St Colman’s, Dunmurry, made his international debut in 1981 having previously worked as a physio with Portadown.
The father-of-three admitted despite his emotional attachment to the Northern Ireland set-up, his decision to step down was not a difficult one.
“I’m getting to that time of life and it is hard work (being team attendant),” he told the News Letter.
Having provided support to Northern Ireland greats including Jennings, Gerry Armstrong and more recently David Healy, Derek was responsible for washing match and training kits, in charge of bibs and cones as well as providing miscellaneous items such as chocolate bars to players.
Stressing he never had a “fall-out” with any playing personnel throughout his international tenure, the veteran said he found it difficult to choose the best player during that time.
“It is hard to pick the players out but Jennings would have been one of the best. They were all good players in that era.”
Working under six different managers, Derek is well placed to give a view on their contrasting leadership styles.
Asked who had the greatest impact in his opinion, the ex-kitman unsurprisingly opts for Billy Bingham.
“He was a great motivator but he had good players,” he said.
Recalling the golden era when Northern Ireland qualified for the two World Cups in the 1980s under Bingham’s guidance, Derek reflects fondly on his time on the touchline in Spain and Mexico.
“It was a good experience and very enjoyable,” he said.
Commenting on arguably Northern Ireland’s greatest ever victory against hosts Spain in their own backyard in 1982, Derek said the occasion would always live him for the rest of his life.
“The atmosphere was awesome – I will never forget it.”
That night in Valencia continued to resonate with Derek amid the euphoria of Northern Ireland’s memorable 1-0 win over England at Windsor Park in 2005.
“In the dressing room after the match the boys were saying what a great night it was but I reminded them of Spain in 1982,” he said.
“It was good banter. You forget about the England game when you were in two World Cups.”
Derek said he was looking forward to Sunday night’s testimonial dinner at the Culloden Hotel.
Among the attendees were former managers Sammy McIlroy and Lawrie Sanchez as well as ex-players including Norman Whiteside, Martin O’Neill and Jimmy Quinn.
“It was not about me but a reunion – it was great to see people I thought I’d never see again,” he said.
Despite no longer washing kits for the Northern Ireland senior team, Derek is hopeful he will continue to work with the association at underage level as well continuing his kitman duties with Irish league side, Glentoran.
“I need to get out of the house as I can’t get in my wife’s way everyday of the week.”
Paying tribute, an Irish FA spokesperson said: “Derek was an ever present, nothing was too much trouble and the association wishes him well in his well earned retirement.”