Esso World Cup 1990 Republic of Ireland Coin Collection

"Ahh the memories!! This collection was brought out by Esso Ireland to mark Ireland's first participation in world footballs showpiece. The summer was long and hot and the living was easy for a snotty nosed 12 year old like me. I remember the anticipation when my Dad would say Mike jump in "I'm going up to Ardkeen Esso to fill the old light blue Ford Escort". I remember the pure excitement as Dad got out and was greeted at the petrol pump forecourt by Ray Malone the larger than life petrol pump attendant. Like me Ray had a great passion for Liverpool FC and Ireland and we hit it off straight away. You received one token for every £10 of petrol purchased and when Dad came out of the shop the next minute was intense as you ripped open the outer package on the coin. The delight on my face when I got Bernie Slaven (rare at the time) and the utter devastation when I got yet another Niall Quinn for the umpteenth time ha. Because Ray and I were buddies I remember every day after school making the trek to Ardkeen to shoot the breeze with Ray. I don't know how he wasn't sacked as he would always take out a box of the coins until I found the ones I needed!! Great memories!! Simple times BRILLIANT!!!!"