Shelbourne have expressed their “deep unhappiness” on the passing of former Reds nice Ben Hannigan.
he striker, who received a league and FAI Cup medal on the Reds, the place he had three spells as a participant, died on the age of 81.
“It’s with deep unhappiness to announce the nice Ben Hannigan has handed away this afternoon. Ben received the 1962/3 League of Eire title and 1963 FAI Cup with the Reds and will probably be sorely missed by all. RIP,” the membership mentioned in a press release at present.
A local of East Wall, Hannigan joined team-mates from an illustrious St Finbar’s aspect in Drimnagh, Eric Barber and future Manchester United nice Tony Dunne, in shifting to Shels and Hannigan had the honour of scoring on his debut in 1961.
He lined out for six League of Eire sides total, together with spells at Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers, nevertheless it was in his three stints at Shels, from 1961-1966, 1972-1974 and 1980/81 the place he was happiest. He additionally made 9 of his 14 European appearances with the Reds.
His first spell at Shels earned him a cross-channel transfer, to Wrexham, however the Dubliner was unsettled there and he returned to Eire, signing for Dundalk, the place he received a league title in 1967 and added an FAI Cup, whereas at Shamrock Rovers, in 1969.
German aspect Fortuna Koln recruited Hannigan, together with fellow Dubliner Noel Campbell, in 1971 however whereas Campbell stayed for seven years, Hannigan quickly returned to Eire to line out for St Pat’s, Shels (once more), Cork Celtic and a 3rd spell at Shels.
“For many supporters, Ben has by no means been something apart from a Reds icon,” writer Sean Fitzpatrick wrote in Shelbourne Cult Heroes.
“His is the primary title soccer supporters of the sixties and seventies bear in mind.”
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