This Touring map, dated 1974, belonged to a local resident of Irish origin. It was found in a pile of rubbish outside Coopers Lane flats along with a collection of football memorabilia and tickets: many framed photos of teams from the 1930s onwards, as well as a replica of letter from George Best’s father to famous sports journalist Reg Drury of the News of the World.

The letter, which was handwritten by Dick Best just days after his son made his debut for Manchester United in 1963, outlines how the Best family hoped George would “perform with credit as well as distinction on the playing field.

– Sligo Independant 2011

Just as the belongings of the individual were found in the street, so the letter to Reg was found a Sligo street. Somers Town, being next to railways, had and has a populace of Irish origins blown here by the lure of work on railways.

The Ireland Touring Map tells of someone curious about his place of origins, with a strong attachment to his Gaelic roots as much as football. A regular at staunchly Irish Cock Tavern, he may have seen games there under the Sligo flag, and attended the packed St Patrick’s Day events.

We like to think this person made good use of the Touring Map, as much as the football tickets.

By Diana Foster

References

Football letter found in street report by Sligo independant