Bohemians and FAI send title medal to family of ex-Carlisle United star Tony Hopper - 20 years on

But now, 20 years on, that has been put right – after the News & Star teamed up with the club and the Football Association of Ireland.

We were alerted by Tony’s friend Colin Carter to the fact the popular footballer, who died three years ago from motor neurone disease, had never received a championship medal for his efforts in the 2000/1 season.

So we contacted Bohemians and the FAI, who kindly agreed to have a replica made – and it is now in the hands of Tony’s loving family.

We have handed the medal to Tony’s brother Darren, while a presentation will also be made at a Carlisle United reunion event next weekend which doubles as a fundraiser for Eden Valley Hospice in memory of Tony.

The replica medal produced by the Football Association of Ireland for the family of Tony Hopper, who won the league with Bohemians 20 years ago (photo: Stuart Walker photography)

The medal will be accompanied by a specially-commissioned drawing of former Blues and Workington Reds favourite Tony by Carlisle artist Dale Nicholson.

Darren Hopper said the medal was a “brilliant gesture” that the family truly appreciated.

“It’s not something we ever expected,” he said. “It’s amazing that, all these years on, we’ve received this medal.

“It will go with the other medals and trophies Tony won during his career and we’ll pass it on to his eldest son, Dan, who is cherishing everything his dad achieved in football.

“We have to thank Bohemians, Tony’s fellow players and the FAI for doing this, and to Colin for setting the ball rolling.

"Although Tony wasn’t at Bohemians for a great period of time, it’s absolutely fabulous what they’ve done.”

Tony spent a season on loan with Bohemians from Carlisle, and he helped a side managed by future United boss Roddy Collins win the league and cup double.

Tony Hopper pictured at Bohemians in the 2000/1 season (photo: Bohemians Football Club Twitter)

He was also involved in UEFA Cup ties that season, when Bohs faced Bundesliga side Kaiserslautern.

Tony made 15 appearances, returning to Carlisle before the end of the season.

Bohemians’ honorary secretary Stephen Lambert said the club were delighted to help with the medal – and also paid tribute to Tony for his brave fight against MND which raised funds and awareness in the fight against the disease.

“First of all a huge thanks to the News & Star for getting in touch to highlight this, and to the FAI and their director Mark Scanlon for sourcing the medal,” he said.

“Because the designs of medals changed over the years, we spoke to a couple of ex-Bohemians players and got a photograph of the 2000/1 medal, and then contacted the FAI.

"They went off to the provider they use to get an exact replica made with the same material that was used then."

“The way Tony used his illness to raise money and awareness was a really selfless thing to do, and it’s great that people are continuing to support Eden Valley Hospice in Carlisle in his name," he added. "Like any hospice, they do such great work.

“For Tony and those who knew him, we hope the medal is a nice thing to have and we wish his family all the best – and if they would like to come to one of our games at the stadium, there is an open invitation.”

The drawing of Tony by Dale Nicholson is another special aspect of the presentation.

It features a portrait of Tony in his Carlisle United days, accompanied by a moving image of Tony arm in arm with brothers Darren and David at the charity match held in his honour at Brunton Park in 2017.

Dale Nicholson's drawing of Tony, including an image of the footballer and his brothers, will be framed and presented to the Hopper family

It will be framed and given to Tony's family.

“Colin told me about the medal, and he asked me if I could do a drawing of Tony that could be presented to his mam and dad along with the medal,” said Dale, 30.

“It was hard to get photos to work from, because it was meant to be a surprise. The one of the three after the Brunton Park game was always going to be part of it, and then it was a case of finding a main portrait of Tony.

“It took over 20 hours at least and it was unbelievable pressure, but I’m happy with it.”

Darren Hopper added that his brother had always looked back fondly on his time with Bohemians.

He added: “Tony was never big on medals, trophies and things like that. The truth is that he just wanted to play for the love of the game. His achievement was playing professional football.

“He was still a relatively young man at the time when he went to Bohemians with [wife] Sue, and they had pretty much a season over there.

“That’s where he was introduced to Roddy Collins, who was manager. They won the league, he got a game in the UEFA Cup and he enjoyed his football there and enjoyed the Irish culture - and subsequently when Roddy Collins came to manage Carlisle, Tony followed.

“It was the furthest he’d played away from Carlisle, and it was only a short-term thing, but he enjoyed his time there.”

The reverse of the specially-produced medal denotes the season in which Tony Hopper helped Bohemians to the title (photo: Stuart Walker photography)

Tony will be remembered at next Saturday’s reunion of Carlisle United’s 1994/5 title-winning and Wembley squad at Harraby Catholic Club.

The evening will raise money for the hospice that cared for Tony towards the end of his life – with the event being held three years to the day since his passing aged 42.

“Eden Valley Hospice has always been very close to us – they were and continue to be an absolutely fabulous institution,” Darren added.

“It’ll be great to see players from Tony’s time at Carlisle United and I’m sure it will be a fabulous get-together for a fabulous cause.”