Outstanding footballer whose career was blighted

(A slightly edited version was first published in the Irish Times October 18th 2014)

Hugh ‘Dick’ Doherty – born May 5^th 1921, died September 29^th 2014

Hugh ‘Dick’ Doherty, who has died in his home town of Buncrana, Co Donegal, was believed to be oldest surviving former Glasgow Celtic player. He also played with Blackpool at the time when they were one of the strong sides in the old English First Division. His career never flowered as it should due to World War Two, bad luck, and injury.

In the summer of 1939, Celtic’s chief scout was on holidays in Ireland. He saw the teenage Doherty, then with junior club Buncrana Celtic. The scout never spoke to Doherty: but, a few weeks later, Celtic wrote offering a trial in Glasgow.

He went over at the start of September 1939. The trial went well: then, on the day he was to sign terms, Britain entered World War Two. For safety, Doherty returned to Buncrana to work with his father. During the war, he played for Derry City, Derry Rangers, and Dundalk.

Then, after the War, he got another opportunity. Several Celtic players were on holidays in Donegal. He played with them in an exhibition match. As a result of his performances, Celtic signed him for the 1946-7 season. He played three games in the old Scottish First Division, and one in the Scottish cup.

Celtic let him go at the end of the season. Blackpool snapped him up. Doherty played outside right. However, Stanley Matthews, then the world’s best footballer, was Blackpool’s regular outside right. Doherty usually only played when Matthews was unavailable.

During one of those games, he injured his knee. Blackpool let him go. After a period of recovery, he signed with Raith Rovers in the Scottish League. In his first game, the knee gave up. That forced return to Buncrana.

Doherty was born in Buncrana in 1921, elder of two sons to John Doherty, a butcher, farmer, and greyhound-trainer, and his wife Madge (née McLaughlin). The family were nicknamed ‘Dick’ Dohertys. He received his education in the town’s National School, then St Columb’s College, Derry, before going to work with his father.

After leaving Raith Rovers, he resumed working for his father - and developing football in Inishowen. When he died, he was assistant treasurer of the Inishowen Football League.

Hugh ‘Dick’ Doherty is survived by his daughter, Deirdre, and sons Denis and Eamonn. He was predeceased by his wife, Eithne, daughter Ann-Marie, and son Anthony.