Hugh Doherty (footballer)

Hugh "Dick" Doherty (5 May 1921 – 29 September 2014) was an Irish footballer who played on the right wing.

Doherty, who began his career with Dundalk, made a handful of appearances for Celtic in the 1946–47 season, at the end of which he was released and was immediately signed up by Blackpool, just as they had also signed Stanley Matthews. Before making any League appearances, he was injured during the Tangerines' 1947–48 campaign, seriously enough so, Blackpool thought, that he was ultimately paid off and had his contract cancelled. He returned to Glasgow, where he trained with Clyde, before being signed by Raith Rovers. His knee gave way during his comeback game, after which he decided his professional career was over and returned to his birthplace of County Donegal.^[1]

He was able to continue at amateur level, turning out for Buncrana Hearts, a team he had co-founded in 1944.^[1][2]

Personal life

Doherty was married to Eithne, a Dubliner, until her death in 2006. They had five children: Anthony and Ann-Marie, who pre-deceased their parents, and Deidre, Denis and Eamon. He also had four grandchildren. He lived independently until the final few weeks of his life.^[1]

Death

Doherty died on 29 September 2014 at the age of 93. He was the oldest living Celtic player at the time of his death.^[1]

References