Commemorative plaque of Hugh 'Dick' Doherty to be installed in Buncrana next week
The unveiling of the plaque outside the former home of Hugh Doherty 'Dick' will take place next Thursday, June 19, at 4pm at his former home on St Oran's Road, Buncrana
A commemorative plaque of Hugh 'Dick' Doherty is to be installed in his native Buncrana next week.
The unveiling of the plaque outside the former home of Hugh Doherty 'Dick' will take place next Thursday, June 19, at 4pm at his former home on St Oran's Road, Buncrana.
An 18-year-old Doherty was spotted by Celtic while playing in a pre-season match in Coleraine, in August 1939 and immediately the teenage winger was invited to Celtic Park for a trial. However, having arrived in Glasgow with his father on September 1 of that year, only for Great Britain to declare war on Germany, following its invasion of Poland.
Doherty went home and played for Derry City and Dundalk, whilst working in the family business - a farm and a butcher's shop - as well as in his uncle's pub in Derry. He would eventually make his Celtic debut aged 25, in 1947. At the age of 93, Doherty was still active as assistant treasurer of the Inishowen Football League, before passing away in September 2014.
"I'm very proud that my last official duty in this term as Mayor of Inishowen will be to join in commemorating one of Inishowen's sporting greats," outgoing Cathaoirleach of the Inishowen MD, Cllr Jack Murray, posted.
"Hughie dedicated his life to the game and was even a board member of the Inishowen League into his 90s. He left a proud legacy in his local community as a founding member of Buncrana Hearts Fc with whom Donegal County Council have teamed up in erecting this plaque.
"Still passionate about grassroots football, yet this was a man who was one interchangeable with the great Stanley Matthews (first winner of the Ballon D'Or) when they both played on the left wing with Blackpool FC.
"I'd invite everyone who knew Hughie, those who know of his legacy, or those who may be fans of his former clubs, Celtic, Derry City, Buncrana Hearts, Raith Rovers, Blackpool, Dundalk - and those who simply appreciate a sporting great - to come along and mark this occasion. Long overdue. But fitting all the same."