Jack Charlton

Jack Charlton was an English footballer and manager who played as a defender, he was also a member of the 1966 World Cup-winning England team. From 1986 to 1996, Jack was also the manager of the Republic of Ireland national team, which qualified for two World Cups and one European Championship.

Jack Charlton

Jack was a frequent visitor to Mayo, especially Ballina, where he had a holiday home which he regularly visited. Jack was a passionate fisherman, and one of his favourite places to cast a line was the River Moy’s Ridgepool. Ballina was like a second home to him, he spent countless hours fishing on the River Moy, in particular for salmon. He made many local friends over the years and he was always open to helping out with local fundraisers.

Big Jack’ had purchased a home in the Moy Heights estate in 1991 and had become a frequent visitor to the area for years as it allowed him to pursue one of his life’s great passions, fishing. In 1988, the former England World Cup winner filmed a promotional TV show for Bord Fáilte around the Lakes of Conn, Cullen, and River Moy demonstrating his affection for the region..

The wider Ballina community was deeply devastated to learn of Jack’s death in July 2020. A tribute to him was established in Ballina shortly after his death to express the local people’s admiration and respect for him. The local community decided to paint a mural of Jack Charlton in what is said to be his “favourite fishing spot.”

A mural of Jack holding a pint of stout now overlooks the Ridgepool. The mural has been painted on a building overlooking the Ridge Pool by the town’s Community Clean Up group. The mural, which was created by local artists Smiler Mitchell, Derek Leonard, Martin Devaney, and Philip McCafferty, captures ‘Big Jack’ raising a pint of Guinness and toasting the fishermen on the world-famous Ridge Pool, his favourite fishing spot.

The phenomenal mural is located on the opposite side of the River Moy from our Ridgepool Restaurant, making it almost impossible to miss for anyone who chooses to dine there.