2 SportSoccer Saturday 11 November 2017 DANIEL McDONNELL McClean uncovered

The star of Ireland’s World Cup tilt has always polarised opinions. But who is James McClean? A journey to Top: The mural of the Ireland winger in Creggan as part of their ‘local heroes’ Creggan in theme NORTH WEST NEWSPIX. Above: One of the pictures which forms part of a photo history of located near the centre of the estate Derry to meet HIS is Creggan. It’s To the right of the profile of Friday lunchtime and O’Doherty, there is a sketch of Tony O’Doherty is Olympic boxer Charlie Nash. his friends and pacing up and down in To the left, there is an artist’s his usual spot outside impression of Creggan’s most family shines T the Corned Beef Tin, famous sporting son, with a the area’s community centre on flame-coloured border tracing Central Drive. his distinctive features. It’s a a light on the The 70-year-old is wearing his proud Irishman with an 11 on the Derry City jacket because he will chest and a face that appears to later function as head steward at be roaring in celebration. James man behind the final home game of the season McClean is instantly recognisable. for a club where he served as both Around these parts, there are the headlines player and manager. constant reminders that he is one In Creggan, he has the presence of their own. In truth, it only takes of a manager on the sideline, a matter of seconds. monitoring everything that is “Look,” barks O’Doherty, going on in front of him. There “There’s James’ mother now.” is a wave, a shout or a gesture for He points to a couple coming everyone that passes. The beep out of a shop and getting into a car. from a milk van gets his attention. O’Doherty flags the vehicle down presenting a black and white history. Their present is shaped by “Alright Charlie,” O’Doherty and introduces McClean’s parents, photo-history of Bloody Sunday. the past. McClean is their modern- shouts. The driver, Charlie Ferry, Patrick (Waxsy) and Shauna, to the It chronologically lays out the day idol. was his team-mate on the 1974 stranger from . events of that fateful January day Outside of here, he can be Finn Harps FAI Cup-winning side. He asks if they would be open to in 1972. The last board features depicted in less flattering terms. They know their football in these a chat with a journalist looking to a row of coffins laid out in the The aggression when he’s on the parts. learn about their son’s background. neighbouring St Mary’s Church. pitch and the tackles, the tweets, Across the street from where Waxsy pauses. “Aye,” he says, “The march started just over and maybe even the tattoos, are O’Doherty is standing, there’s gruffly. “Bring him up to the there,” he says, pointing in the used to cultivate an image. And in a mural of his younger self, a house.” direction of the Bishop’s Field November, the month where there decorated player in both the Irish It turns out that O’Doherty, a sports complex next to the Corned is a space on his shirt where every League and and mentor to the young footballer as Beef Tin – a centre that is named other professional footballer in a twice-capped Northern Ireland he climbed the ranks, is a man who as such because the old building on England wears a poppy, that image international. can quite literally open doors. the same site looked remarkably can be spun into a caricature. He was one of the chosen ones On the short walk to Creggan like a Fray Bentos container. There are people who see what when artists were tasked with Heights, he provides a brief history School is about to break up they want to see. producing portraits of sporting lesson. The first part is viewable and the memorial means the kids But to understand James stars to cover the graffiti-laden along the way. Just around the from the Holy Child Primary that McClean, one must understand walls dotted between shop fronts. corner from the murals, and past stream out onto Central Drive Creggan. This can be the only The theme was local heroes. a car wash, there is a giant display will always be aware of the area’s starting point for his story.

‘On one side, we had the “Even now, while it has improved considerably, the problem we are James McClean (circled) with army that would give us a experiencing here is the lack of his under 12s Trojans team employment. There’s very little bit of grief. On the other investment in Derry. We’re still side, the IRA kinda left us waiting on the good road from Dublin to Derry, from Belfast to alone because even Derry.” ‘When he was 15, all of his buddies would have taken a though they weren’t These days, O’Donnell is chair of a healthy living programme that drink. James would be in watching Match Of The Day’ political at that time, they looks after residents of all ages. The HQ is just down the street recognised the usefulness from the Corned Beef Tin which is THEBOY birthdayandChristmaslistsas andsaid,‘Waxsy, there’shorses officially the home of the Creggan footballbegantodominatehis forcoursesandhe’s notmadefor of what we were doing’ Neighbourhood Partnership – a “YOUknowhestartedoffasa everythought. thebuildingsites.Allhedoesis registered charity that could goalkeeper,”laughsPatrick GerryColhoun,hismanager talkaboutfootball’.” THEPLACE reasonably be called a spin-off of ‘Waxsy’McClean,ashesettles atTrojansfrom9to12,didn’t StaffintheCornedBeefTin the Creggan FA’s work. backintohischairinaliving spotstarpotential.Jameswas havevividmemoriesofthe IT’S fitting that Tony O’Doherty The brief is wide, ranging roomthatisstackedwithfamily aquietboy–thatisO’Donnell’s fair-headedboywhoinvariably was born in 1947, the year that the from offering help with welfare photos.Wearesittinginahouse recollectiontoo–andadiligent hadaballathisfeet.Thenthere first houses were built in Creggan claims and running back-to-work onCregganHeightsthatisonly trainer.“Hewasjustoneofthe wastherunning,thenon-stop estate, because he has lived every programmes to organising the distinguishablefromtheothers averagelocalplayers,”says runningthatcontinuedright bit of its history since moving there cleaning up of the area and graffiti. ontheestatebecauseofthetwo Colhoun,whocomesintothe throughtohisprocareer.Thehills as a child. The Heal to Hurt organisation nicecarsthatareparkedoutside. kitchenoftheCornedBeefTin aroundCregganweremadefor The new community was the Tony O’Doherty in supports those battling addiction. There’sanopen-doorpolicy withtheTrojans’75thanniversary endurancetraining.Sightingsof local corporation’s response to front of a mural of his At night time, there’s a kids club forfriendsandfamilyandit’s a bookinaplasticbag.“Henever JamesrunningaroundSheriff’s overcrowding in the Bogside. younger self in Creggan which McClean attended when the hiveofactivity.James’brother missedasessionandwouldplay MountainalarmedDerryCity Housing for Catholic families was a original Corned Beef Tin lookalike Briancomesinandthendeparts atleft-backorleftmidfield.” staff,butanyprotestswerein pressing need and the geographical was still standing. When that withagearbagoverhisshoulder. Attheageof15,hewaspitched vain.Eveninthesnowywinterof location – up a steep hill near the Tierney and Gerry Duddy. The We never had a problem. People was demolished and an enhanced Anuncle,Paul,dropsintositon inwiththeSundaymorning 2010,hesetoffforaChristmas border with Co Donegal – allowed latter’s teenage brother Jackie saw it for what it was – it was version constructed in its space, thecouchandlistenastheproud adultteam,acharacter-building adventure. the Unionist majority to manage was shot dead on Bloody Sunday. something good.” he was the star at the official parents,whoareunderstandably experience.“Webelieveitwas Onanotheroccasion,he the electoral wards and maintain Six victims hailed from Creggan, Word spread and the well- opening (2015) and drops in to say guardedatfirst,discussthe aroundthenwhereJames happeneduponahalfmarathon their influence. including Charlie Nash’s sibling known English reporter Peter hello whenever he’s back. Martin householdnamethatgrewup mentallymadethedecisionhe thatwaskickingoffonCreggan By the time that O’Doherty had William – Charlie would go on to Taylor came to Creggan to produce O’Neill, an old acquaintance of betweenthesefourwalls. wantedtobeafootballer,” says Drive.Despitehisimproper reached adulthood, the population box for Ireland in later that a documentary that was never O’Doherty, has stopped by too. Shaunacomesinandoutas Colhoun, attireofatracksuitandflat was rapidly growing, and so too was year. In difficult circumstances, broadcast. O’Doherty was told (The host teased the Irish manager there’sachildmakingnoisein “Itwaslikeheflickedaswitch. shoes,hemanagedtowanglean the disillusionment. His football the Creggan FA sought to provide the British government had by reminding him that only one of thekitchen.Waxsydoesmostof Hedidn’tdrinkorsmoke,hejust impromptuentry. Hismother’s career was taking off and in 1970 he hope. The Bishop’s Field became blocked it because it portrayed them owns an All-Ireland medal thetalking.“Iusedtobequick, trainedhissocksoff.” eyeslightupattheanecdote. played at Wembley for a Northern their playground. the community in a sympathetic – a Hogan Cup with St Columb’s likelightning,andtheolderboys Waxsyrecallsthefamily “Hecameseventh!”shelaughs. Ireland side that included George “We used to have football light. They had the power to College in 1965.) intheestatecalledmeWacky watchingaDavidBeckham “Therewasafellainabarwhowas Best in the game where Bobby morning, noon and night, slap a Defensive Advisory Notice Creggan still has problems. afterthatcartoonWackyRaces,” documentarywherethesubject tellingushe’dtrainedthewhole Charlton won his 100th England especially in the summer, we (D-Notice) on any material related Community leaders have to hesays,revealingtheoriginsof spokeofbeinginbedonSaturday yearforitandJamesshotpast cap. But as accelerated had all leagues for all ages,” says to the Troubles. British Army contend with anti-social behaviour hisnickname.“Itgotcutdownto nightwatching‘MatchoftheDay’ him.” and took hold, he lost his appetite O’Doherty. “I’d never felt so alive. Saracens came by in the following and it’s a challenge to encourage Waxsy.” whenthelocalladswereouton Asafirst-teameratDerryCity, for football. “I couldn’t see the To say I dedicated myself to it weeks to drive across the field and kids to stay on the right path when He’s ajovialcharacter–the thestreetdrinking. hewouldstillventureuptothe point of it,” he sighs. “I was with makes it sound like a sacrifice destroy the surface. O’Doherty and there are negative influences in earliergruffnessisreallyjust “Ithinkthatplantedaweeseed Trojans’facilityoffCircularRoad, Coleraine, a wonderful club, but I when the truth was I loved it. Just his counterparts persevered to try their midst. Sport is a positive naturalsuspicion–andhelaughs inJames’brain,” musesWaxsy. hopoverthefenceandcarryout was coming home past barricades the sheer energy of being involved and offer positivity to a society that vehicle. “We’re very proud of heartilywithO’Dohertyasthey “WhenJameswas15,everysingle hisowntrainingsessionforan and burning buildings and people I with great people. Gradually, needed it. Trojans (football club) and Sean recallastoryfromthememory oneofhisgroupoffriendswould hour. knew getting hurt and even killed. it developed into a welfare McClean was born in 1989. Dolans, our GAA club, because bankwhen‘Doc’wasbroughtin havetakenadrink,abottleof Colhounremembersgoing “I wouldn’t use the word ghetto, association. Help for this, help A year later, Charlie O’Donnell they don’t just make athletes tomanagehisSaturdaymorning cider,thenormalstuff.James overtotellMcCleantocallahead but people didn’t go outside the for that. We ran film shows on a took over as the Principal of the or footballers,” says O’Doherty. side.Theexperiencedfootball chosenotto;hisbuddieswouldbe wheneverhewasplanningto area because it was dangerous. The Sunday night on an 8mm projector. Holy Child Primary School. The “They make citizens. Kids who are manwastryingtomakethings outuntilallhoursbutJameswas popinsotheycouldputonthe army was here. So a group of us It wasn’t community work, it was outlook was bleak. involved rarely end up in trouble.” lookprofessionalandwasgoing lyingwatching‘MatchoftheDay’. heatandlethimhaveashower decided to look at what we could do just life. “We had 96pc of the children In McClean, who lined out for alongthelineinspectingthestuds That’s guaranteed. oracupoftea.Buttheofferwas for people inside the area.I thought “On one side, we had the army on free school meals,” he explains. both teams, they have a helpful whenhemadeitasfarasWaxsy “Hewasaslowstarter, that’s refused.“Hewouldneverwant I was better off here so I took a year that would give us a bit of grief. “And unemployment was probably example. “I’m always saying to kids whowaswearingapairofslip-on true,buthewasdedicatedand tobeanuisance,” saysColhoun. out.” On the other side, the IRA kinda 85pc to 86pc, the highest in now you could be the next James shoeshavingfailedtomakeit knewwherehewantedtogo. “Otherboyswereinthepubson That was the beginning of the left us alone because even though Northern Ireland. There was no McClean and you can just see them homefromthenightbefore. Itwasallfootball,football, ShipquayStreetandJameswould Creggan Football Association. they weren’t political at that time, employment and then they would smiling,” enthuses O’Donnell. Hissonwoulddoubtlessshake football. berunningpastthem.Derry’shad The founding group, which held they recognised the usefulness ask why people here were getting “It’s about self-esteem. They’re hisheadatthattypeofmatch “Igothimintotrainingto alotoftalentedfootballers,but their first meeting in a disused of what we were doing. Martin involved in alcohol and drugs and six inches taller because they can preparation,andnotjustbecause workforaguywhodoesair iftheyhadhalfJames’dedication launderette, included two other McGuinness was a friend of mine, things like that and the answer say, ‘I’ve a hero that lives over the ofpassionforfootballbootsthat conditioning,afriendofmine,and we’dhavealotmoreplayersin men that can be found stewarding we went to school together, and is quite simply because they had street.’ And he’s never forgotten alwaysputthematthetopofhis hecamebacktomeaweeklater thistown.” at Derry City matches, Charlie remained that way until he died. nothing to get up for. where he comes from.” Irish Independent Saturday 11 November 2017 Soccer Sport 3 ‘IfthepoppyjustrepresentedthetwoWorld Wars,everybodyherewouldrespectit.Butit representseverything,itrepresentsallconflicts’

THEMYTH for everybody in this community. If the poppy just represented the two EVERTON AWAY, Saturday, World Wars, everybody here would November 10, 2012. Just another respect it. match. “But it represents everything, Rory was studying in Liverpool it represents all conflicts. We’re and came to meet McClean in the all aware here the hurt was on team hotel on the eve of the game. every side, we get that. And if you They were sitting and chatting, don’t, you’re not human in my eating a few sweets which is about opinion. I can totally understand as far as the bad eating habits goes. the hurt of the mother of a soldier It was Remembrance Day in Sunderland if her son was weekend and Sunderland were due damaged over here. But this is to wear the now customary poppy where I’m from. embroidered shirt. “The death of Gerry Duddy’s “Are you going to wear it?” Rory brother is still unresolved. The asked. British Army have done incredible “I’ve asked them to bring a damage to this area.” normal shirt,” said James, calmly. Where critics saw dissent, That was more or less the extent Creggan saw courage. of the discussion. “Just think about it,” says “We didn’t think any more of it,” O’Doherty. “In a world of football said Rory, “I’m not sure if anyone dominated by obscene amounts of had even mentioned it to him.” money that the ordinary person up The previous November, James McClean challenges Seamus Coleman during the game against here could never dream about it, McClean was an unknown in his Everton in November 2012 at Goodison Park, the game in which the just imagine having the moral fibre new surrounds, waiting for O’Neill Sunderland winger decided against wearing a poppy to do what James did. It would to discover him. have been so easy to say, ‘Look, Mistakes were made in tandem defenders getting to grips with the Examiner’ reported the West Brom I’m earning my trade here. I don’t with the meteoric rise that surprise package. man wouldn’t be wearing a poppy really like it, but I have to do it.’ He brought him to Euro 2012. He was Eugene had finished college and on his visit to town as if it was didn’t do that and that’s amazing... struggling to come to the terms was called by McClean’s agent, fresh news. amazing. But unfortunately in this with the power of his words; Graham Barrett, who proposed the A rash tackle late in his sub part of the country and in some his tweets now had a reach of idea that he would move across for cameo attracted a predictable parts of England, it gets taken in a thousands, not hundreds. Senior a couple of months to help a mate torrent of abuse. “Convenient how different way.” pros admonished him for lashing that was living alone and suffering Match of the Day cameras pick up Colhoun, the Trojans stalwart, out at ’s team from a boredom that was leading my tackle but fail to pick up bottles, is a Northern Ireland fan who goes selection in Kazakhstan. him to type himself into trouble. coins, and lighters being thrown,” to Windsor Park regularly to cheer But he did not consider the “The story was twisted,” says he tweeted. Type ‘McClean’ and on Foylesiders Daniel Lafferty and poppy-free shirt to be a provocative Eugene. “People thought I was ‘poppy’ into any search engine and Shane Ferguson. act. After the match, he flew to employed by Sunderland. My it’s easy to find the parish he will He does hear chants about Dublin to pick up a prize at the PFAI granny had just passed away and never win over. It includes West McClean and wishes the detractors awards. Eugene was with him and my mate was going through a hard Brom followers. knew the real person. “James the chat was about the on-pitch duel time and I went across to try and Eugene hates this period of is a not a bad soul,” he says. His with his pal Seamus Coleman. It help get him back on track. the year. “Any time there’s talk West Brom clubmates Gareth was only upon their return to Derry, “He didn’t drive and was getting of James going to some club, the McAuley, Chris Brunt and Jonny and a full perusal of the Sunday taxis everywhere. He’d be home next question is, ‘Will they take a Evans, three senior members morning papers, that they realised from training at 1.0 and that was chance on him because of what the of Michael O’Neill’s Northern a section of the British population it for the day. We didn’t do much. poppy thing brings?’ As his mate, Ireland squad, found that the now had a new public enemy Some days we might be on the and I’ve never told him this, I find reputation contrasted from the number one. There were death PlayStation and not even talking that hard to take.” reality. In August, Banbridge threats. Outrage. to each other. His brother Patrick But he will stay true to his lad Jack Chambers spoke about And questions. Why would (who now plays for Waterford) beliefs. His viewpoint was clearly how McClean had helped him he take English money without came over and I think he thought understood by those whose since coming over from Linfield. respecting their tradition? Why we were really boring but James opinions mattered. “I didn’t really like him before do the other Irish lads go through just needed the company. Erin The family are sick of the but he has done nothing but help with it? The compliant Argentine moved across then too.” coverage that presents their son me,” said the teenager. “He keeps players and the Falklands even got The poppy furore meant fame as a bad boy. “It’s a myth,” says me going about the Protestant A portrait a mention. had been replaced by infamy and Waxsy, “It’s unbelievable because Catholic thing but it’s just banter. picture of Sunderland is a place with a hysteria. Political opinions and anyone who comes into contact He’s been just as big a help as the McClean taken strong affinity towards the armed musical preferences that were part with James, their views change in Northern Ireland players.” by David Maher forces and a section of fans were of his identity were flagged as an seconds. They soon realise he isn’t There is an ironic back story furious. The club were at pains to issue; Sunderland were angry with the monster he is portrayed to be. to McClean’s brief Northern Irish stress they supported the poppy a tweet about his favourite Wolfe “There was an awful lot of stuff career. He didn’t have a passport appeal and McClean was urged Tones song. happened around here and he’s old for his maiden trip and, at 48 to say nothing against his better With his days numbered there, enough to know that. James is a hours’ notice, securing one from ‘He never went out instincts, and the storm clouds Wigan came next. The club’s proud, young, Catholic nationalist Belfast was a no-go. An Irish James McClean hung. He’d already waded into owner, Dave Whelan, couldn’t from a nationalist area. This passport would be accepted and sought fake was on the brink social media tiffs with Northern understand McClean’s poppy is where he’s from. This is who and, with the help of ex-Derry of leaving his Ireland fans who chipped away perspective. In 2014, the player he is. They expected him to be chairman Jim Roddy, O’Doherty friends or crowds to beloved Derry at the fact he represented them at penned an open letter to Whelan something he’s not, which wouldn’t was directed to Dublin and given City for Lincoln underage level before defecting which articulated a stance that be fair on James, his family or a name that the youngster could fit in with. James is when his lifelong ambition became boiled down to: ‘Unless you’re from friends.” drop to skip the queue and get fast- very principled in that attainable. “He would say himself Creggan, you don’t understand.’ O’Doherty gets animated when tracked. When Peadar Carpenter, a that he used the system,” admits That explanation is readily ‘the elephant in the room’ comes helpful contact in the Department he’s his own man’ Rory. available, and there has been up. of Foreign Affairs, visited Derry in By biting back, McClean stirred measured commentary on his “I would just love for people the following weeks, ‘Doc’ went in things up. His manager, O’Neill, position, but the catcalls will follow to examine what James said,” to buy him a drink and say thanks. THEMAN was exasperated by the attention him as long as he plays in England. he says, his voice rising. “Please “Well you never know,” replied he was generating, and his It’s a cheap anger generator; examine it. What he said was Carpenter. “He might do a turn for IN THE Derry City dressing performances suffered too with last weekend the ‘Huddersfield totally respectful. He’s speaking us one day.” room, the teetotallers were in the minority. “It was uncommon,” says Eugene Ferry, a sixth form ‘It’s not a hunger you don’t see much of in modern-day classmate of McClean at St Peter’s High who played in goals for the Candystripes’ reserves.A spell with football. You don’t see much of it in modern-day life’ local Irish League outfit Institute had frustrated McClean and he was keen to get a foot in the door THEMOMENT James McClean with the club he’d always wanted celebrates his to represent. Ferry spoke with staff “ERINsayshesleepswiththe goal against about his mate’s situation and set boot,” saysShauna,doublingover in . Inset: the wheels in motion. inlaughterasdiscussionturnsto Erin McClean They became firm friends with thatgoalinCardiff. an aversion to alcohol bonding Onthechartofproudfamily them. Donegal lad Rory Kelly, days,October9ispushingfortop another goalkeeper and non- spot.Aftereverygame,McClean drinker, quickly became part of the FaceTimeshismotherandthiscall group. wasspecial.Hewasdrivingback “There was David McDaid toBirminghamwithErinholding as well who didn’t really drink thephoneandafullcarsinging either,” says Ferry, whose family alongtohisballads.Shaunaand had Creggan roots. “We would still hergangwereinthelocalwaving go out together –I was the driver back,screamingandcheering. – but we would always go home Whenthatcrispright-footed at the same time. James wouldn’t strikefoundthebottom even take a bag of chips.” corner,O’Doherty McClean was firm on his jumpedoutofhis approach to alcohol. When in the sittingroomchair, company of drinkers, he would not felthiskneelock get sucked into buying a round, an andendedup whonowworks designergear.Iftheyarehistreats, booksandchattopeople.Jamesis approach that has lasted to this sprawledouton fortheLondon theaddictiontopunishingtraining likethatwhenhe’shome,hegives day. theground.While officeofMcClean’s hasnotlefthim. uphistime.You’relookingatme “He’s never taken a drink so he hewaslaidout, representatives Eugenewenttovisitaftera saying,‘He’sputtingJamesonthe doesn’t see the point of getting it hetappedouta PlatinumOne.“And gamewithLiverpoollastseason samelevelasJohnHume’. John for anyone,” says Eugene. “He’s texttothecauseof that’sbecausehe’sa anddiscoveredthatthemethodof didadifferentthingforpeople not tight, he’s as generous a guy as hispredicament.The daddy. It’sanexciting unwindingwasdisappearingout butJamesisdoingalotforyoung you’ll meet. He’ll buy food until the despite his eagerness to make an By the summer of 2011, amusedMcCleanreplied timeforthem;hiseldestis backforaboxingsessiononhis peopleinthisarea.Ifeverybody cows come home but not drink.” impression at Derry. Derry were in the top flight, the thefollowingmorningtoaskifhe startingschoolinSeptember. punchbag. “That’stypicalJames, showedthesamerespectforlife Talented players from their Eugene chuckles as he describes aggressive and powerful winger wasOK. They’vefoundabasethere.” hejuststicksatit,” Eugenelaughs. andforcommunities,theworld generation had succumbed to an 11 v 11 with the seniors on his was in demand and Sunderland The28-year-old’sgrowthtoa “WhatJameshasnowisthe “Wetryandkeephimgrounded, wouldbeabetterplace.” it. “When they got to 22/23 they first day where the cub gave the old made their move. Six months later, positionofauthorityinthisWorld wholepackage,everythinghe’s wegivehimahardtime.ButIdid Andthatisthecontextinwhich were probably looking at James timers hell, and Rory speaks about he burst onto the Cupcampaignhasenlivened wanted,” saysWaxsy. “He’sgot texthimafterWalesandsaidIwas O’Dohertyframesthesuccess thinking, ‘Maybe if I didn’t drink...’ McClean’s lack of respect for big stage. Creggan;Denmarkhasbeenonthe hisfamily,aseriouslysuccessful proudofhimandallofthat.He story. “WewoulduseJamesas but it was too late,” says Eugene. reputations, for seasoned pros with “We were scratching our heads,” lipsforweeks.Onthedayafterthe career.Thewains(kids)dream wrotebackandtoldme,‘You’ve arolemodel,”hesays.“Buttake McClean didn’t need it to be hundreds of games on the CV. says Waxsy, “And saying, ‘Is this Waleswin,Waxsymetamanwho aboutit;hemadethedreamcome gonesoft’.” footballoutofit.We’renottelling happy. Rory was responsible for a The fresh-faced firebrand said happening? Is it real?’ And then deliveredasuccinctmatchreport. true.” ButDerrypeopleknowMcClean kidsthey’regoingtobePremier landmark night on the town, a date little in the dressing room but when the big contract came, it ADerrygoalscorer,aDerryman Englandwillneverbehome, hasasoftsidetoo.Thevisitsback Leaguefootballers. with his then girlfriend where they was brimming with confidence was like a storm. That was crazy, ofthematch(Duffy)andaDerry though,andthereisnodoubt mayhavereducedinquantity “Whatwesayisthathe’s both brought a companion along. once he crossed the white line. He unbelievable.” manager. thatJames,Erin,Allie,James becauseoffamilycommitments, achievedwhathe’sachievedwith Rory arrived with James and proved that theory by scoring on “He was a late bloomer,” says McCleanwillthriveonthe JnrandWillowIvywillrelocate buthisfootprintisstillvisible. sheerhardwork.It’snotjusta his now ex-girlfriend brought his debut, a League Cup game with Eugene. “And I always say he play-offresponsibility.Muchas toDerryeventually;therewillbe O’Donnellgetsemotionalwhen hungeryoudon’tseemuchofin Erin Connor. That was the start of Bohemians in 2008, where Owen wasn’t noticed for a while because hewouldliketobeplayingmoreat moreoutingsattheBrandywell talkingabouthisformerstudent’s modern-dayfootball.Youdon’tsee James and Erin, a relationship that Heary was his direct opponent. scouts missed just how consistent WestBrom,hisfamilyandfriends andmoretimewithhisfriends. charitablegestures. muchofitinmodern-daylife.” has grown into a marriage and a McClean had walked to The he was and how he approached allstresshehasreachedalevel Eugeneisafathernowtoo, Theygobeyondhiswell- He’snotinfallible.Withhisnew- family of three young children. Brandywell with his boots in a every match the same way. It was ofcontentmentinhislifethat jugglingthatwithademanding documentedsupportforthe foundwealth,McCleanmistakenly “I know Erin’s family,” says brown paper bag. just another game, and he took hadeludedhiminhisearlydays jobinaresidentialcarehomefor familiesofhisoldfriendsand presumedthathisfolksmight O’Doherty. “And she has a good But he had to wait another that attitude with him into the overseaswhenhomesickness youngpeople,andtheWhatsApp team-mates,themuch-missed fancyachangeofsceneryand business head. It was a good year and a half to become a key Premier League.” broughthimbackatevery chatsseldomveerintofootball RyanMcBrideandMarkFarren. splashedoutonalavishhouse‘out match.” first-team player with Derry’s After a bad performance with possibleopportunity. business. Strangersbenefitfromhis inthebackroads’. Theylasteda Eugene and Rory became part of demotion to the First Division Derry, McClean would get the Theturningpoint,accordingto Theircatch-upsrevolvearound generosity;thetalesarewell coupleofweeksinthecountryside McClean’s tight inner circle along due to financial irregularities the running gear on and head off RoryKelly, wasreallyknuckling theirnewpressures,ornostalgic knowninDerry. “Wehearof mansionandreturnedtotheir with a small group of childhood catalyst. back up Sheriff’s Mountain. He downwhenhefoundhimselfin chatsaboutthewaythingsused tragedies,”saysO’Donnell.“And terracedhouse.Hismotherhated pals from Creggan. “He’s always When uncertainty lingered, a was hard to stop after the good apoorWigansideplummeting tobe.“SometimesIforgetthathe I’veheardsomanytimesonthe beingaway. had the same people around him,” move to Lincoln was agreed but his performances too. torelegationfromthe evenplaysforIreland,”hesays. grapevinethatJameshassorted “Irearedthemallhere,thesix says Rory. “He never went out and pals felt it might be too soon for the In England, he hit the ground Championship. Behinditall,it’sthesame thatout,he’spaidforafuneralor kids,andIjustwantedtocome sought fake friends or crowds to fit homebird to fly the nest. running in a manner which left Asafather, heneededtorefocus James,muchashecanaffordthe triedtohelpsomebodythat’sin back,” Shaunasays,“No,no,no.. in with. James is very principled in Derry got their act together and people wondering just how far he andhisperformancesearned niceclothesandcarsthatwereout conflict. thisiswhereweallgrewup.Thisis that he’s own man. He’s very loyal.” Lincoln boss Chris Sutton agreed could go. himamovebacktothetoptable. ofreachwhenhewasalowly-paid “JohnHumetaughtme.And home.” That core group was a crutch to rip up the contract provided he But what goes up must come “Jameshasreallygrownupin Derryplayerwhowouldspend whenIwasintheHolyChild,he ThisisCreggan.ThisisJames when he was elevated to stardom. didn’t move to another English down. The fairytale couldn’t last thelastfewyears,”saysRory, anyofhisdisposableincomeon wouldcometotheschoolandsign McClean. It took him a while to get there, club. A sliding door moment. forever. Irish Independent 60 SportSoccer Wednesday 14 March 2018

DANIEL McDONNELL

FOR Conor Clifford, the road to realising that he needed help start- ed with a visit from two worried friends. With the sun setting on 2016, his old Chelsea colleagues Adam Coombes and Jacob Mellis, close friends that still speak every day, dropped by. They sensed something was up with the Dubliner and those fears were confirmed. The door opened to a dark and messy apartment. Curtains drawn. Their friend, who was now playing for Boreham Wood in the National League (the old Conference) had started to skip training and could barely bring himself to get out of bed. His relationship had broken down and he had fallen out of love with football to the extent where he was wondering where his life was going. But he hadn’t been able to explain that lethargy to anybody, the complete absence of enthusiasm for anything. It changed on that day. “I literally just broke down in front of the lads and that was that,” he explains. There was a time, Clifford admits, that he wondered if sportspeople speaking about their depression were using it as an excuse. “I would look at them and think, ‘What have you got to be depressed about,” he said in a Dublin hotel last week, before pausing. “How stupid was I?” Coombes sought guidance, calling the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) to ask if Clifford Conor Clifford, in action could be provided with professional for Dundalk last year, is help. That led to an initial prioritising a return to consultation about his mental football now when his health. But Clifford felt he needed to suspension ends on April 2 get back to Ireland, and to the family home in Palmerstown. “I packed a bag, went to the airport and didn’t tell anyone I was coming,” he says. “I just turned up at the door in a state.” SUPPORTERS His parents, Paul and Catherine, his ‘Iwouldrecommendto biggest supporters, knew their son was going through a bad patch in work, “but they didn’t really know the half of it,” he admits. There was a natural shield he put up, a defence mechanism, which is anybodygoingthrough part of his personality. Professional football is an environment which can encourage individuals to strengthen that wall. Clifford was the child star recruited to Chelsea on a long and lucrative contract. An FA Youth Cup depression,thatthe winning captain at 18. He was called into a senior Ireland squad at 19 on the strength of his reputation. The rapid slide down the ladder was always going to dent confidence but, from a distance, he was able to say that everything was all right. bestthingyoucando He did sign for Dundalk, and uttered all the right statements about getting his career back on track. However, that process of finding a club had coincided with testing conversations at home which istospeakaboutit’ culminated in his parents bringing him to a psychologist qualified to deal with his problems. “I felt so embarrassed telling them what was up because they didn’t know how bad I was,” he says. “I didn’t want them worrying about Conor Clifford admits he was sucked into a bubble as a rising star at Chelsea me. But I had to tell them, and they brought me to meet someone. before his career veered off course, eventually leaving the Dubliner serving a “It was harder than in England with my family in the room – my Dad stayed in because I wanted him ban for a breach of betting rules. But with the support of his family, Clifford is to. But it was weird. Once I started talking, I couldn’t shut up. I felt such feeling mentally and physically strong again and ready to fulfil his potential a weight off my shoulders. It’s not natural for me to talk like that, Irish Independent Wednesday 14 March 2018 Soccer Sport 61

some of the workers have a kickabout in the indoor hall and he Shiels relieved joins in sporadically to practice his ball work. That scene is a long way removed after winning IFEELONCEIGETA from his teenage days in the leafy surrounds of Cobham, Chelsea’s RUNOFGAMESICAN base which is situated in an area return to the BETHEBEST caked in wealth. He wasn’t fully prepared for life MIDFIELDERINTHE away from there on a whistle-stop Brandywell COUNTRY, WITHOUTA tour of the lower leagues. “In Cobham, every car that goes DOUBT.I’MNOTBEING past is a Ferrari or a Range Rover. Daniel McDonnell BIG-HEADED,IT’S There’d even be lads who hadn’t played a league game coming in DERRY CITY manager Kenny HOWIREALLYFEEL with a Range Rover or BMW. Shiels has admitted that he felt the Leaving Chelsea, it hits you like a pressure heading into their return The news broke on the day of ton of bricks when you’re not getting to the Brandywell on Monday Ireland’s World Cup qualifier with that money. night. . “Did I get sucked into it? I had a The Candystripes marked the “I was sitting with my family and nice car, maybe not compared to the opening of the renovated venue I was devastated. It was other lads But in terms of going out with a 5-0 win over Limerick that embarrassing for me and and spending thousands on clothes took the weight off his shoulders. embarrassing for them.” and going to the best restaurants They had been forced to play The punishment would test his and all of that. Yeah,I did get sucked their first four games of the season well-being, especially as adapting to into that, definitely.” away from home due to a delay in life at Dundalk was a work in The solitude of the ban has building work and then the snow progress. allowed the 26-year-old to fully postponed the grand opening. “Even though I was in and out of make the transition from looking Martin O’Neill was present for the team,I was enjoying being with back to properly looking ahead. the Limerick game and Derry that group,” he continues. “I wasn’t His focus now is on creating new delivered a performance to thrill happy to not be playing, but I was memories. Managers have called to an expectant crowd, with loanee happy in myself. Forget about check on his status and he is Ronan Hale firing in a hat-trick. football.I was in a better place, and confident about what he could Ironically, Hale and his brother that came as a kick in the nuts.” achieve in the right environment. Rory – who joined permanently He went on a break to Thailand to “I feel once I get a run of games I from Galway over the winter – are get away from it all, and then can be the best midfielder in the two examples of players who left learned the shocking news that his country, without a doubt,” he the Northern Ireland set-up to old Chelsea youth team coach asserts. “I’m not being big-headed, declare for the Republic. That’s a Dermot Drummy had passed away it’s how I really feel. topical subject. suddenly, a tragedy that everybody Shiels was focused on his own who knew him is still struggling to POTENTIAL patch and said he took pleasure comprehend. “I haven’t fulfilled my potential from sending a large crowd home Drummy had even spoken with whatsoever and have so much to happy on a night where the late Clifford about a reunion at Crawley prove, not only to myself but to other Ryan McBride and Town in what proved to be his last people that have written me off after were honoured. job in football. seeing me come home to Dundalk “The average guy from the “He used to be a taxi man, a and not set the world alight.” Brandywell, the Creggan and Conor Clifford has been working black-cab driver,” says Clifford, with He does feel strong and healthy, Shantallow, they’ve been deprived on his fitness at St Catherine’s a smile. “And every day at training, physically and mentally. of their weekly trip or fortnightly Community Sports Centre in Dublin before he’d start, he would bring us There was no return visit to his trip down to see their local team in and say, ‘Listen lads, we’ve got the psychologist; there has been phone (since 2016),” said Shiels. best job in the world. People are contact yet he does believe that the because I keep a lot of stuff inside. to him. They had discovered he had slogging away in factories, but look initial release was all that he SATISFIED But it was a release. It’s hard to bet on football matches in his at these lovely pitches, this lovely needed. “I’m sure they went home satisfied. explain.” jurisdiction during the tail-end of gear, the bibs. He would bang on Getting back into football is the I felt responsible that we had to The problem, ultimately, was the his time in England. about how much he loved his job.” priority now with his exclusion deliver. I’m the guy who makes the toll that the fall had taken on him Clifford wasn’t involved in any of Clifford has tried to bring an formally ending on April 2. selections and makes the mistakes and the niggling feeling that he the games but the rules breach was enthusiastic mindset to his exile, He left school after his Junior Cert and I wanted to make sure they had could have prevented it, much as his clear and a worldwide six-month ban and his support structure is and is thinking of starting his a good time.” story is a tale of what-ifs and was handed down by FIFA. This invaluable. coaching badges soon because the That was supposed to be their if-onlys. meant engaging in any kind of His new girlfriend, Laura, game is all he knows, although, in first of three games at the venue in “I was kinda the blue-eyed boy,” official football activity was off has become an important part reality, he has learned a lot about life the space of a week. he says. “Everything was going limits. No training. No going to of his life. He still lives at too. Beleaguered Bray travel north on great. I got caught in a bubble games. Not even coaching kids. With home, where his What does appeal is the Friday but Monday’s clash with earning great money and I just his contract expiring at Dundalk, it mother gets up at idea of educating Dundalk has been put back to May thought it was going to last forever. was a devastating blow. the same time youngsters who think they 14 due to a raft of international So I took my foot off the pedal. I The timing was especially poor every morning have the world at their call-ups (Shiels has players in IFA went from that high of everything because of the allegations going to cook a feet when scouts in club and FAI underage squads). Next going well to wondering how I had around the League of Ireland at that healthy meal jackets are promising Friday’s trip to Cork is off too and ended up in non-league, with no idea juncture related to betting. His to kick off his them the sun, moon and refixed for June 4. of where I was going. name entered that storyline. day, while his the stars. Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny “I’d fallen out of love with the “There was a lot of stuff in the father has Nor does he want his was frustrated after a third game, I hated it. I hated life. The news about Athlone at the time,” he helped with own experience to define scoreless draw of the campaign more loans or moves that don’t work said. “I didn’t want people to think I some him. The words ‘ex- against St Patrick’s Athletic at out, the more you get knocked back, was match-fixing, which I wasn’t. I training Chelsea’ tend to always Inchicore. “I can’t say we were the more you get forgotten about believe that any player that does that runs. precede his name in any exceptional but we certainly and the more you get down on should never play again. The average sentence, and he is keen created enough to win the game,” yourself. “I got a lot of stick on Twitter and day involves to park that now. he sighed. “We’ve missed a lot so we “I am comfortable to say that it that. Messages to my inbox. People gym work in town “I’m sick of talking need to be more ruthless.” (depression) is what it was. I calling me a cheat. And there were in the morning about it,” he asserts. “I Cork City boss John Caulfield honestly didn’t know what it was people in the local area that didn’t with his good pal want to make a new was thrilled by the application of myself, why I was miserable going have a clue about the story and saw and personal story.” his younger players as they back to an apartment on my own betting and assumed whatever. trainer Iano Farrell As a kid, he was responded from Friday’s reverse in and then didn’t want to get up in the “I even had someone come up in St Catherine’s embarrassed by the Dundalk to edge Shamrock Rovers morning or open the curtains or go saying they’d heard I’d been betting Community Centre huge family entourage at Turner’s Cross. to training. thousands, that I’d put ten thousand in Dublin 8, that turned up for his “This team took a lot of criticism “I would recommend to anybody on this game and that game. I was swimming in a matches. Now, he is after Friday night. They played well going through depression or feeling like ‘What? That’s ridiculous.’ hotel fitness centre counting down the within themselves and we were horrible, that the best thing you can “With my bets,I was bored at Liffey Valley in days until they can deservedly beaten,” he said. do is speak because you feel 100 because I was doing nothing. Fivers the afternoon and on come and watch him “We had a back four playing times better afterwards.I felt and tenners. Just for the interest in certain evenings the again. together for the first time (on unbelievable when I did.” watching games that night; lads passionate boxing fan Like any boxing Monday) and the young lads (Sean) Talking really was therapy. “I left would be talking about it on the bus. heads down to the St fan, Clifford knows McLoughlin and (Conor) McCarthy that room,” Clifford says “And I just The max bet I did was 15 quid and Matthews Club in that a few heavy blows were outstanding. The lads did a felt like I wanted to go out and run the total was around £800.I wasn’t Ballyfermot for a can leave a man on bit of work together on Sunday but and keep running.” winning either.I did know I wasn’t hour of intensive the ropes and he’s no it’s different when you’re in a That new-found strength would meant to be betting but I just felt it training with the Conor Clifford lifts the longer afraid to admit cauldron like that.” be tested again last autumn. He was was so small and who was I? A gloves on. FA Youth Cup after there was pain. But Cork are joint top of the table called into the office at Dundalk to non-league player? How would they At St Catherine’s, their Chelsea’s final he’s ready to come with Waterford who take on be told that the FA wanted to speak know?” a council facility, win in 2010 back stronger. Dundalk in on Friday. 4 SportSoccer WhenBusby’s Babescameto Dalymount ...

Sixty years ago this week, Manchester United visited Dublin to play Shamrock Rovers in the first European match involving an Irish team. DanielMcDonnell looks back on a historic game that was dominated by a Dubliner wearing red by speaking to people who were part of the day and their memories of the tragedy that was to follow

AMONN D’ARCY leaps from his chair at his kitchen table. Suddenly, he’s 24 and not 84. He’s replaying a Emoment in his mind, a scene that remains fresh in his thoughts to this day. on a September evening in 1957. The first European Cup match involving an Irish club and D’arcy is standing between the posts, crouched slightly in his usual position as his Shamrock Rovers side defend a cross that is sent into the penalty area. There are 46,000 souls crammed into the old stadium watching as a Dubliner rises to meet it, but he is wearing the red of Manchester United, not the green and white hoops of the locals. Liam Whelan is back in his hometown with a point to prove, aware of critics that had been slow to appreciate the greatness of the boy who grew up just down the road. “I thought he was going to go this way,” says D’arcy, acting out a dive to his left side. “I’m there, I’m anticipating it. If I’d waited until he headed the ball it was too late so I had to anticipate what he was going to do. But he saw me going and sent Clockwise from top: Eamonn D’arcy’s old newspaper cutting of Liam Whelan (right) heading the ball past him the ball the opposite way.” Eamonn D’arcy at his home in Naas with the for Rovers’ third goal; Front page of programme for official function between players of Rovers and Man Utd Later, he climbs the stairs of his Evening Mail advertisement featuring the teams in the Gresham on the night of the game; Eamonn D’arcy’s autographed version of the same programme with house to delve through his treasure of Shamrock Rovers and Manchester United signatures from all the players that played; The official travel clock that Manchester United gave as a gift to each chest of pictures and newspaper ahead of their European Cup game in 1957 Shamrock Rovers player; The cover of the official programme for the European Cup, second leg clash at Old clippings to find the evidence to Trafford; Liam Whelan in action for Manchester United in 1957 support his recollections. The photographer behind the goal Home Farm while Hamilton lined much more than the general public; They would all know who Bobby games regularly with his father World Cup qualifier with England League side’s struggles against the captured the scene exactly as he out for Johnville. They became the average weekly pay in the UK Charlton was soon enough. D’arcy John who tragically passed away in in May of 1957 where Irish hearts League of Ireland equivalent a year has described. Whelan’s goal, great friends, in an Irish gang rose from £5 to £7 a week across chuckles at that one. 1943 when Liam was just eight. The were broken by ’s previously. “The League of Ireland his second of the game, gave that included Paddy Kennedy and the decade. Charlton was sharing digs with future United star always preferred last-minute equaliser. United’s team with SEVEN Shamrock Manchester United a 3-0 lead and Northern Irishman Johnny Scott. United’s youngsters collected Whelan who was two years older kicking a ball himself. Edwards, Pegg, Taylor and Roger Rovers players gave the England they would double the advantage Hamilton’s United dream would a £10 signing-on fee when they and broke into the senior team first. “He used to be in the playground Byrne were part of the away side. side containing FOUR United before full-time to guarantee end in 1955 because of the realities penned their first contract. But it D’arcy would pay into Old Trafford in Cabra,” continues Christy. “There Whelan’s calling card was the players – Byrne, Edwards, Taylor ’s Babes comfortable that hung over footballers post- was their reputation and presence to watch him and had his own was a ranger that used to arrange nutmeg and he tormented Edwards and Violett – the fright of their progression into the next round World War II. Conscription. that allowed them to stand out from top-flight ambitions but a proposed matches for them with all the other in that match. “He nutmegged lives in a game that ended 3-3,” said of their second European Cup United’s youngsters were largely the crowd. move to Aston Villa was thwarted playgrounds in Dublin. His team Duncan who said ‘Do that again Busby. “Such a form upset could campaign. able to put it off it for 12 months Manchester was a hub for Irish by injury. were unbeaten for years. If you go and you’re in for it’ so Liam did it happen again unless United play The rest is history. Just not in at a time – conscription was never emigrants in the 1950s and D’arcy His plan was to make enough to Dalymount now there’s still a again and Duncan thumped him,” their very best football.” the way that the protagonists could applied in Northern Ireland so and Hamilton both recall the money from that deal to pay for section there where if you asked continues Christy, laughing again. He praised Rovers’ skill and ever have imagined it. their players escaped – but when throngs descending on Longford his wedding to the love of his life if anyone there had played in the “That was his speciality. He did it to attractive style of play, although Hamilton required a new passport Park in Stretford after Sunday Alice. But when it collapsed, the playground with Liam Whelan, a at Old Trafford added that Coad’s team’s ‘good *** things got complicated. morning mass. pragmatic move was to return couple of hands would pop up. He one time. Liam was rolling the ball football’ would actually suit United. He was put under pressure to “It was a bit like Marlay Park to the old sod and mix football used to take Ronnie Whelan Sr, who back and forward and the section Rovers’ players had been edgy in WO months previously, the declare himself a British subject is now in terms of size,” D’arcy commitments with a day job. He was our neighbour, on the crossbar of the crowd all knew what was the build-up with the competition draw for the competition had under the pre-1949 act and refused. explains. The Irish always revealed managed to impress Coad enough of his bike.” coming. There was a guy near me for places. Ttaken place in Paris. Rovers Once his Irish passport came themselves by tucking their to be signed by Rovers and married who stood forward and shouted ‘Go “This game was big-time,” says chairman Joe Cunningham Jr through, it became clear that he stockings into their boots and Alice in the summer of 1957, LOCALITY on Bill, show him what ball-playing D’arcy. “It was fantasy world, but represented them at the draw and wouldn’t be able to defer the latest running around playing GAA while although he was sacked from a His connection with his locality is all about. the main thing for us was that told the Irish Independent’s W P draft so he asked to go home. Busby locals pushing prams or playing casual post with the ESB just before remained strong, even when “His legs seemed to go forever we were going to play these fellas Murphy the story of how it all played and the directors agreed once bowls went about their normal he went on honeymoon. Meanwhile, he made it big over the water. and he could just pull balls back and give them a game. Football out. United received 50pc of any future business. Hamilton had landed on his feet. Homesickness almost prevented and control them,” enthuses D’arcy, was different then. They were “I was sitting next to Matt Busby transfer fee. “But you would see the United “I got into the insurance him from doing so and Christy “Now we had Paddy Coad who was an attacking team, we were an and we were both wondering what D’arcy was in England then too players walking through too. They business which was good to me,” he recalls his sibling’s devastation a genius, he could have played for attacking team. The game was far off places we’d have to visit for it and, while he knew Hamilton, lived in the area and they were like explains. “I was probably better off when Hamilton packed his bags. Real Madrid. But Coad used his more open.” was an open draw in three zones,” Kennedy and Whelan, he watched stars,” says D’arcy. “I remember financially.” English football was “They were like brothers over arse more; he’d play with his back Hamilton recalls a change he said. “Then Sir George Graham the other from afar. Mark Jones walking his dogs, about the glamour, not the cash, there,” he says. Tears were shed. to people. Liam was different, he of tack recommended by the of Scotland from UEFA pulled the He’d taken a punt and left Ireland wearing a roundy hat like Mary and United were the poster boys. Whelan stuck it out to prevail could do this and that (he gets out Cunninghams. first name, Shamrock Rovers. That without having a club sorted. A Poppins. too. They’d and his neighbourhood was proud. of his chair again to act out a skiing “One thing I’ve never heard left me gasping and while I was friend gave him the number of his be going through for their Sunday *** “My mother would find it hard to type motion), he could just swivel mentioned is that we changed our getting my breath back he read out uncle in Sandy Lane in Stretford afternoon stroll.I was thinking go to church with him,” Christy around people. He was magic.” strip,” he says, “The hooped part of Manchester United. and he took up a job in the dry- ‘Posers!’ HRISTY WHELAN remains laughs. “She could never get home There were sceptics in the Irish the jerseys used to go all the way “Matt Busby looked at me and we cleaning business. He recounts another day when a a fountain of knowledge on because people were stopping Liam press, though, with his relatively down under the knicks and the beamed at each other for it was just carnival rocked up and one element Chis brother Liam’s life. The wanting to talk to him.” modest record in the green jersey shorts. But in that game we played what the doctor ordered for both REMEMBERS was a cage where all-comers lined affection shines through in his The only downside of his meaning that he was depicted in in a jersey that only had hoops from clubs.” He worked nights and into early up to take shots at a goalkeeper. words. United commitments were that certain quarters as a man that still the chest up to the shoulders. The draw was headline news morning where he remembers D’arcy talked himself into that role, He was a handy player himself, they curtailed his international had to prove he was worthy of the “It was white from the breast in Ireland, vying with the other seeing United goalkeeper and was blocking shots from all making it to League of Ireland level. appearances; the FAI rules of hype. “They said he had to prove down. Joe Cunningham’s theory major story of the day which was a going by his premises on the way manner of punters until a youngster So did his youngest brother John, the period decreed that any himself,” D’arcy recalls, shaking his was that it would make us look report from the Intoxicating Liquor to training. That was the life he watching it all unfold stepped proof that talent ran through the Irishman picked by his club on head at the absurdity of it all. bulkier and more muscular. It Commission debating the merits of craved. forward and asked for a go. genes. Liam was the star, however, Saturday could not be selected for probably showed you the way we a nationwide 11.30pm closing time. Through Hamilton, he enquired He gave the goalkeeper no and he was always more of a player international duty the following *** were approaching it. We were The Rovers players were high on about getting a trial with United chance with three perfect shots. than a spectator. The family grew day. He won just four caps, although coming up against the might of the excitement of their news. For and a meeting with Busby was set Few recognised the kid with a up in the shadow of Dalymount one of them came in a starring UBLIN buzzed on match-day. England.” player-manager Paddy Coad’s Colts, up. The Scot sat in his car while his mop of hair pushed to the side. Park and Christy would attend role at Dalymount in the infamous Fans had come from around For 30 minutes, Rovers gave this was an opportunity to test right-hand man Jimmy Murphy Dthe city and country. Rovers as good as they got on a windy themselves against the best. Hoops came out to speak with D’arcy, were overwhelmed with telephone evening. But when star centre- forward Tommy Hamilton was but it came to nothing when they and postal applications in the 48 forward Taylor broke the deadlock, thrilled. “The Busby Babes were the heard he was still on the books hours after the draw. Tickets were United were in control. team in England and Rovers were of Dundalk; a release had to be priced at £1 for a seat in the stand, a Whelan bagged his brace after the team in Ireland,” says Hamilton, negotiated before they would take crown for the reserved terrace and half-time and late goals from who turned 22 in 1957. a look. a half-crown (two and six) for open Taylor, and Pegg For the Bray-born player, the Eventually he wound up in the standing. exposed the difference in fitness draw had special meaning because Third Division with Oldham, where Christy worked in the levels. In the 2005 book ‘We Are he could easily have been with the the flamboyant former England Corporation and there was a sweep Rovers’, an oral history of the club, travelling party. When he was a captain was for the first goalscorer as the another member of the side Gerry fifth-year student in Synge Street, player-manager. He gave D’arcy employees spoke of nothing else Mackey simply said: “We ran United had come calling as part £20 from his own pocket when the all day. By coincidence, he drew ourselves into the ground. They of their expanding project to find triallist explained he didn’t have the his brother and told him as much; scored three of their goals when we the best youngsters in England, money to come back the day after members of the Whelan clan were just couldn’t stand up anymore.” Scotland, Wales and Ireland. he impressed in his audition. Loose dotted around the ground. Hamilton struggled to make an He was playing minor GAA for ends with Dundalk were sorted by Kick-off was brought forward impression against the imperious Wicklow as well as excelling on the a letter that was penned for him. to 5.45pm because Dalymount had Edwards. “He was a great player,” football field, making occasional “They must have got a few quid out no floodlights and sunlight was he says. “Two great feet, a fantastic weekend trips to England before of it because they sent me over £50,” fading. The half-time turnaround build. He could play cross-field making the permanent switch. Darcy quips, “My new deal was was shortened to facilitate a passes and he could dribble with Hamilton still has a book at his £12 a week and £1 a point which punctual finish. the ball too. And remember, he was home in Greystones titled ‘Sons of was great. I met Stanley Matthews United paid full respect to their just 20 going on 21.” United’ which details the youth and months later and he was only on hosts, with Busby flying over on a For the goalie, it was a reserve scene in that period as a £14 so on the weeks we won and scouting mission. He had steered particularly tough brief and special crop broke through. Duncan they didn’t know I was on the same his side to the semi-final in the picking the ball out of the net Edwards and were money as him.” previous season’s competition six times was bad for the spirits. two of the leading lights that were With no maximum wage, and was wary of an early exit. He D’arcy’s mood was lifted by a turning heads. there was little disparity between A photograph from the Shamrock Rovers team of the 1957/58 season – Back row, left to right: Liam Hennessy, had a column with the ‘Evening consoling word from Coad on And then there was Whelan, his footballers’ wages across the Gerry Mackey, Ronnie Nolan, Eamonn D’arcy, Paddy Coad, Shay Keogh. Front row, left to right: Jimmy ‘Maxie’ Chronicle’ newspaper where he the way out of the dressing room, compatriot, who had played for divisions. Nor were they earning McCann, Noel Peyton, Leo O’Reilly, Tommy Hamilton, Liam Tuohy. laid out his fears, citing an English telling him he would definitely be Soccer Sport 5 One-sided Old Firm must find new lease of life for the sake of Scottish football

Clashthatsplits Glasgowisjust JAMES ashadowofits formerself LAWTON

LD glory often dies hard, but in football the bite can rarely have been as painful as that currently Obeing suffered by the followers of Rangers. Bad enough that Celtic are making something of a habit of beating them 5-1, but the latest cut goes even deeper. This is the growing sense that a match that once galvanised a tough and passionate city has become something to watch, perhaps, rather than be consumed by. Contributing, however subliminally, to this dwindling of compulsion is a decision of Celtic and their fans, who are convinced they are heading towards their seventh straight title. It is to discard before today’s high noon action at Ibrox Park the traditional, passionately- murmured trademark billing of the Old Firm match. Unofficially, but like some stab in the ribs of battered Rangers fans, Celtic are saying the term refers to another age, another competitive culture. Scan the pre-game propaganda of the club and its supporters’ organisations and the chances are the reference will be to the first Glasgow derby of the season. The implication is about as subtle as a scuffle on Sauchiehall Street of a Saturday night. It says that the Old Firm has broken up. All that tribal fury, all that Scott Brown leads celebrations after Celtic’s Old Firm victory over desperate, often over-spilling Rangers at Ibrox Park last April commitment is, it seems, being parcelled up and left in the sure he is not going to sink. has been effectively disbanded, lost property office, something “You can’t have a shrinking at least on the terraces of unique mislaid when Rangers violet in that arena and that’s Parkhead. had their financial implosion one thing he isn’t. And that’s Souness, who created the and were required to fight their why I played him. He’s young early momentum for Rangers’ way back through the lower but he doesn’t play young. nine-title march through the divisions. “When you put in a young 1990s, refuses to shut the player in that kind of situation boardroom door on at least CATASTROPHE you have to make sure he’s got some of the meaning of one The job, according to Celtic the right personality traits.” of football’s most intense prejudice at least, is still a long Rodgers did allow that he rivalries. playing in the second leg. afterwards that some team played dead. Everyone knelt down and but there’s a certain mystique way from completion – and will was somewhat disappointed in Souness believes he has seen Full time wasn’t the end of the there and a fella took his with him. said the rosary. That shock, I can about the Babes that will maintain be pushed back still further if the general team performance signs of improvement in his formalities, though, with a dinner His club got an official letter in still feel it now.” their prominent place in the club’s another catastrophe is inflicted despite the brilliance of old club and insists, despite his arranged in the Gresham Hotel for the post from Manchester United Ireland was united in grief with history. in the old fortress of Ibrox. Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and years at Liverpool, that the one both sides. saying player number seven’s Manchester. The fact that four of The Rovers squad appreciated For Rangers, and maybe Edinson Cavani, and said that in Glasgow is by far the most United presented the Rovers coat-hanger was missing and they the other victims – Byrne (who the significance of being one of the the rest of Scottish football, he expected his team to show a demanding derby he has ever players with a travel clock, wanted them to send it back.” had an Irish father), Edwards, few overseas sides to face them. this broad sweep of Celtic big improvement in next week’s played in. a memento that D’arcy and With pride restored, the Rovers Taylor and Pegg – had played in Last year a gathering was triumphalism would no doubt match against Anderlecht in “Without a doubt Rangers- Hamilton have kept. Hamilton players went back to their daily Phibsborough just months earlier arranged in the Red Cow for the rest more easily on some Brussels, one tempered by the Celtic is the biggest derby I’ve caught up with friends that he lives, convinced they’d been made it all the more surreal. Jones, surviving members of the ’57 team hard evidence that Brendan fire of one of the world’s most ever been involved in. It is remained on good terms with. swatted aside by a team that was , and 15 – Coad, Liam Tuohy, Mickey Burke Rodgers’s Scottish treble last talented teams. because of what it means to the D’arcy engaged in small talk and going all the way. other passengers also perished. and Paddy Ambrose are no longer season represents something Yet, there is no doubt that supporters. You feel the tension was observing. *** D’arcy mentions the press men with us – and seven managed to more than domination of a Rodgers is in a better position in the city and then the elation “The strange thing was, when who provided the clippings that make it along; D’arcy, Hamilton, desperately thin pool of football than his Rangers rival Pedro if you have won. you saw all these guys in suits, they N February 1958, D’arcy had he has kept hold of. Clarke was Mackey, Ronnie Nolan, Shay resources. Caixinha. were just one of us,” he explains. taken a new job installing the only journalist to survive. Keogh, Liam Hennessy and Maxie That idea, hardly helped The Portuguese coach is BIGGER ITV aerials. By complete Rose didn’t make it. Former Man McCann; the latter was dropped “They were normal. Everyone by the 7-0 evisceration by fighting for survival with a new “In this sense you cannot play on the pitch would say ‘Duncan coincidence, he was on Anglesea City goalkeeper had for Dalymount but recalled for Old Barcelona last season, took batch of foreign mercenaries – in a bigger game. It may be a bit Edwards, what a huge fella’. When Road putting one up for his other switched careers to work for the Trafford where he got the other another body blow with PSG’s and a desperate need to erase rich coming from me but you’ve you see him in his regular clothes employers, the Cunninghams, when ‘News of the World’. D’arcy had the goal. Noel Peyton, who played in 5-0 lordly stroll in Glasgow 11 the ignominy of Europa League got to have a strong head, a it was different. It’s that illusion of the devastating news from Munich pleasure of sharing a pitch with both games, settled in the UK after days ago. ejection by Luxembourg’s thinking head. presence that you have on the park. reached these shores. “It was Mary- him once. joining Leeds and still lives there. Yet Celtic, in the 50th FC Progres Niederkorn, who “I love the game and I just “We were there for a while, but Jane Cunningham (Joe’s wife) that Whelan’s funeral brought anniversary year of Jock finished fourth in their league, hope Rangers do themselves it was quiet enough. I’d always came out and told me,” he says. “She Dublin to a standstill. He was CONTINGENT Stein’s Lisbon Lions, plainly and before the 2-0 second-leg justice and win it. They’ve find with players like that, there’s said ‘Did you hear the news? United a non-playing member of the The locally-based contingent have see Rodgers as a man of some defeat of Rangers, had scored signed a number of new players a confidence thing. On the park, have crashed. The information was trip having lost his place met intermittently over the years; destiny, perhaps one to make just one goal in Europe. and are showing some signs of they’re extroverts. When they come coming through very slowly but it in the side to his good friend D’arcy and Hamilton remain active the isolation of Scottish club In the circumstances, it is coming together. in, they’re introverts. There was was unreal, you couldn’t believe it.” Charlton, with Christy of the golfers, but they’re all in the over- football from the serious end maybe remarkable that the “They need a strong Old Firm some chat but not too much as we Hamilton was in the accounts opinion that news that his mother 80 category now so naturally some of the European game seem hard-headed up there because then Celtic knew we had to play them again.” department of the insurance was unwell had affected his form. are in better health than others. A less profound and historically still sees potentially epic wouldn’t be able to sell off their The visiting press were corporation in Dame Street. “The Regular observers reckoned it was photo was taken at the reunion but heart-breaking. challenges in the meeting of best players. complimentary about the Hoops, chief clerk came up to me at around only a temporary blip for a player D’arcy prefers pictures of the team According to some local the Old Firm that some claim “Right now they could sell while seizing upon the obvious 4pm in the afternoon,” he says, his with his ability. His strike-rate of in their pomp; that’s how he would critics, Rodgers is already some of their best players angle from the game. “Bill Whelan, voice quietening. “He said, ‘Listen, 52 goals in 96 United appearances like them to remembered. nudging the status of a knowing they will still swan off the smiling Irishman born just there’s been a terrible crash, the was remarkable for an inside D’arcy – the successor to the protected species. with another title.” down the road, led this scientific Manchester United players. If you forward. revered Christy O’Callaghan, can Certainly, there was some It is maybe not much of an slaughter of Shamrock Rovers’ want you can go now.” Christy is proud that there’s a still reel off their attributes. “They outrage at the club when some aperitif for a match that once European hopes,” wrote Frank The compassion was bridge near his Cabra home named were all great players,” he says. had the temerity to question his claimed the soul of a city, and Taylor in the ‘News Chronicle’. The appreciated. He went straight to after his brother and was honoured “Ronnie Nolan was fantastic, you’d decision to play raw 18-year-old ITISREMARKABLE so much more recently than ‘Daily Herald’ said it was an act of the Whelan family home where that Charlton, who has stayed in never meet anybody as single- Anthony Ralston against the when Stein’s Celtic were giants revenge for Whelan in response to neighbours were streaming in touch with the family, came over minded as Ronnie. And one of the world’s most expensive player, THATTHEHARD- bestriding Europe. But, for the local criticism. and out. “The radio was on,” he for the official opening. There are most under-rated of them all was Neymar. HEADEDGRAEME moment at least, it will just continues. “And we were just times, though, when discussions Noel Peyton who sometimes never Rodgers saw it as potentially SOUNESSSTILLSEES have to do. COLOURFUL listening for some news. Eventually take place about Ireland’s greatest gets mentioned. He was brilliant.” the making of the boy. Some The Old Firm, after all, needs Henry Rose, a colourful writer in it came through that Liam was ever player and he is aggrieved that D’arcy – who later managed the worried about a demoralising, POTENTIALLYEPIC rather more than a face-lift or a the ‘Daily Express’, went down the name doesn’t come up. That Irish ladies’ side – opens the door even scarring, experience. CHALLENGESIN new business plan. a different route. “Sounds like was surely his destiny. into a room next to his kitchen But the coach dismissed the The requirement is the spirit a walk-over doesn’t it?,” he “Bobby himself said in his and the walls are covered with idea, saying: “When you put a THEMEETINGOFTHE and the genius of a time which, kicked off his piece. “Sounds first book that he wanted to memorabilia. young player into a Champions OLDFIRM agonisingly, may have gone like taking candy from a child be the most skilful player in It’s not just confined to football; League game you have to be forever. doesn’t it? Take it from me. It the world but as long as Billy he was one of the drivers during was nothing of the kind. Bravo, Whelan was in the first team the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club Shamrock Rovers. You have he couldn’t be,” says Christy, and there’s a signed Pádraig RODGERS CRANKS UP PRESSURE ON CAIXINHA FOR IBROX SHOWDOWN nothing to reproach yourself “He’d have been brilliant Harrington hat in a prominent for. Better teams have wilted with United. He’d have got position. But everything else THEprospectofacollisionwithRangers itwas.Icertainlythinkthenoiseis ofpossession,howhetakestheball under this smashing, crashing, plenty of caps for Ireland. But relates to his own career and it’s bringsoutBrendanRodgers’tasteforthe different.Iamnotverykeentooverlytalk andmakespasses–he’stacticallyvery soccer dreadnought.” unfortunately the way things the posterboards from the United stilettoremark,thebarbthrustintothe aboutanotherclub.Idon’twanttospend good,”saidthemanager. Naturally, there was worked out, the way things game that are the centrepiece. weakspotofCeltic’sarch-foes,WRITES awholepressconferencetalkingabout Likehismanager,Browndisplaysa trepidation about what the went...” Perched on the edge of an old RODDYFORSYTH. anotherteam.” relishfortheseoccasions,anappetite return meeting would hold There will always be advertisement featuring team Onthevergeofhisfirsttitlesuccess Rodgers’nextthrustwastosuggest whichinevitablyattractstheireofthe for the Irish side. United a profound sense of loss photos of both sides is a scarf he asHoopsmanager,hemadeapoint thatCeltic’sOldFirmderbyrecordlast Rangerssupportbutwhichalsoadds had knocked ten past for what could have been. picked up many years later that ofremindinghisrivalsthatRangers season,offivewins–twoofthemby5-1 fueltotheturbo-chargedatmosphere. Anderlecht at Old Trafford in Hamilton also wonders what bears the names of the crash hadmarkedtheirreturntothetop margins–plusonedraw,mustweigh BrownhastakentoRodgers’shigh- the corresponding round 12 his old mate might have victims. flightofScottishfootballin2016by uponPedroCaixinhaandhissideahead intensitytrainingandplayingregime months previously. But Rovers gone on to do. He brings “If people don’t talk about declaringthattheyintendedtobring oftoday’sresumptionofhostilities. andhasbeenakeyfigureintheunbeaten knuckled down and performed up a United youth tour of it, then it’s gone,” he says, as he a55thScottishtitletoIbrox.“Let’sbe “It’sanewteam.InfairnesstoPedro, runof56successivedomesticfixtures. with credit under the novelty Switzerland and Germany in walks his guest towards the door clearthatwhenIcameuphere…allthe forwhateverreasonhe’snotlikedwhat Nothingineitherside’sformsuggests of the floodlights. Hamilton 1954 when a delegation from after spending a couple of hours propagandabeforeaballwaskickedwas he’sseeninthegroup,”Rodgerssaid. thatthereislikelytobeareversalof enjoyed the exhilaration of the Brazilian national team immersed in memory lane. It’s thatbeforetheendoftheseasonthey’d “He’sgoneoutandbeenbackedreally thetrendwhichsawCelticprevailin scoring against his old club wanted to know all about the the first-hand accounts of their begoingfor55,”hesaidinMarch. wellbytheboardtobringinplayersof fiveoflastseason’s sixmeetings.They in a 3-2 defeat and they were Irish lad with the silky skills. greatness that preserve the legacy. Ontheeveofthefirstchapterof substanceandquality,soit’salotof arecapableofoverwhelmingRangers applauded off the park. In the years that followed, he As D’arcy says goodbye, his mind Glasgow’stribalschisminthecurrent changethere,buttherewillobviously incrucialareasofthefieldandintheir What D’arcy recalls is the did encounter a couple of the is back in goals, reminiscing about campaign,hereturnedtothetheme,this stillbescars.” twovisitstoIbroxunderRodgersthey little details. “When we went survivors, including a chance trying to judge where Whelan is timetwistingthedaggerbyreferringto WhenRodgersturnedhisattentionto showednosignsofcrumplingunderthe into the away dressing room, meeting with Busby on the going. That’s the story he keeps Rangers’reticenceaboutrepeatingany hisownplayers,hedirectedparticular wavesofanimosityfromthestands.(© there were coat-hangers which Matt Busby column’s from the ‘Evening way back from honeymoon coming back to. suchambition.“Idon’thearsomuch,” praiseathiscaptain,ScottBrown.“For DailyTelegraph,) was being treated like royalty, a Chronicle’ in Manchester warning English just over a decade later. Sixty years may have passed, but hesaid.“Thatwassomethingthatwas yearshe’stalkedaboutasaplayerwho Rangers v Celtic, live, little simple thing like that,” he readers not to underestimate Rovers on the The Scot went on to build a there are some memories that will apparentwhenIcamein.Foreveryone, growlsandsnapsbutthere’shislevel Sky Sports Main Event, 12.0 laughs. “They were telling me eve of their game in Dalymount Park European Cup winning side, never die.