Tony’s ahead of rest!A LITTLE piece of north London came to Malahide before Christmas when a fanatical Arsenal supporter and local publican unveiled his stash of memorabilia from the club’s old stadium. Gibney’s was the venue and publican, Tony Gibney was that life-long Arsenal fan who splashed out thousands of euro as Arsenal’s Highbury Stadium was auctioned off, piece-by-piece. Just before Christmas, it was time for Tony to share his wares with his loyal customers and ex-Arsenal striker and Irish international soccer star, Frank Stapleton was on hand to do the unveiling. Among Tony’s stash of memorabilia was two giant video screens that used to adorn opposite ends of Highbury Stadium and a huge mannequin head that bore a striking resemblance to Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger. The famous Highbury ‘countdown clocks’ and even some seats from the away team’s dug-out made their way to Malahide after the north London auction. It was a big night for the popular publican and for the Simon Community who benefited from the night to the tune of €5,000. Chief executive of Dublin Simon Sam Maguinness was on hand to receive the cheque from the Gibney Family on behalf of their customers. One of the giant screens is set to adorn Gibney’s beer garden, and according to Tony, it will be the largest screen in Dublin. He won’t be using the full screen so if any other publican dares to get a bigger screen, Tony has room to expand his. The fanatical Arsenal supporter had a budget of €60,000 when he attended the Highbury Stadium auction, earlier this year and muscled a lot of keen competition out of the way to secure the big prize of the giant video screens. At just over €10,000, the screens were a bargain considering they cost millions when they were first installed at the old Arsenal ground. Also attending on the big night were former Ireland footballer John Devine, and Tomas ‘Mossie’ Quinn star free-taker for the current Dublin football team, who also took time out to be there. By John Manning/ Fingal Independent Wed Jan 03/2007
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