Patrick Joseph (“Packie”) Bonner was born May 24, 1960 in Cloughglass, Co. Donegal, Ireland and is a former football goalkeeper for the Republic of Ireland, who earned 80 caps after making his debut on his 21st birthday. He is remembered for his famous penalty save from Daniel Timofte of Romania in the 1990 FIFA World Cup finals.
In 1978 Jock Stein made Bonner his last signing for Celtic when he swooped for the promising young keeper, then with his local team, Keadue Rovers FC from Co Donegal. He went on to play 642 times for Celtic. In total with Celtic, he won four League Championship badges, three Scottish Cup winners’ medals and a League Cup winners’ medal. His last appearance for Celtic was winning the 1995 Scottish Cup final under Tommy Burns.
On 2 February 2003, Bonner was named as technical director of the Football Association of Ireland. He previously held the role of the Senior squad’s Goalkeeping Coach in the organisation. In addition he has worked as a football presenter with TV3 Ireland.
His son, Andrew Bonner, is a talented striker -currently playing in Scotland- who has also played for the Republic of Ireland national team at underage level.