A plaque is to be erected at the former home of the only Inishowen man to play for Celtic FC.
Hugh ‘Dick’ Doherty, from Buncrana, played for the Bhoys during the 1946/47 season before going on to play for Blackpool FC.
Now he is to be immortalised after Inishowen Municipal District agreed to erect a plaque at Hugh’s former home.
The proposal was brought up Cathaoirleach of Inishowen Municipal District, Councillor Jack Murray.
Councillor Murray said he was delighted with the move after being approached by locals about the idea.
He said “I was approached by a few local footballing people in recent times and asked to put it forward and, given the man’s status as a local sporting legend, it was a no brainer, and well overdue.
Hugh played for Celtic in the 1946-47 season before going on to play for Blackpool FC, at a time when they were one of the top clubs in English football.
Indeed, the standard at which he played is evident when you consider that he was interchangeable at the club with Stanley Matthews on the outside right, shortly before Matthews would be recognised as the best player in the world as the inaugural winner of the Ballon d’Or.”
Buncrana man Doherty would also play for Raith Rovers FC, Dundalk FC and Derry City Football Club
Councillor Murray said Mr Doherty left a lasting legacy in his community as a founding member of Buncrana Hearts FC.
He added “I understand that he was still a board member of the Inishowen Football League until he passed away at 93 years of age (then the oldest living former Celtic player). He was also involved in the Ulster Senior League and was an elected member of Buncrana Urban Council, as a member of Fine Gael – something which might seem ironic as today’s proposal was moved by myself as a Sinn Féin representative, and seconded by Fionán Bradley, a member of Fianna Fail.
“Political differences were no issue though, of course, as there was unanimous cross party support for the idea, and words of endorsement from reps from all parts of Inishowen.
“A word of thanks also to Jennifer Porter who now owns Hugh’s former home for agreeing that the plaque be installed there.
“Hopefully it’ll be a talking point for sporting people who visit Buncrana for generations to come and a lasting tribute to one of Inishowen’s most accomplished sportspeople.”
Councillor Murray also thanked Gaz McPeake and Jonathan Adair for bringing the idea to his attention.
Plans will now be put in place and a date for the unveiling announced soon, he added.
