Shay Brennan: The Irish Mancunian
Shay Brennan is a prominent personality who represents the close relationship between Manchester United and Ireland. After I previously discussed the club’s historical and cultural ties to the Emerald Isle, it seems appropriate to turn our attention to Shay Brennan, a player whose services to the team both on and off the field further cemented this relationship. We’ll learn how Brennan became an essential part of Manchester United’s legendary past at Old Trafford and an icon of Irish pride as we reflect on his legacy.
Shay Brennan’s Senior Debut
Shay Brennan was born in Manchester in 1937, the son of two Irish parents. He joined Manchester United’s youth academy at 18 years old as an apprentice and part of the ground staff.
Shay was called to the first team a fortnight after the Munich Air Disaster against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup 5th Round. On his debut, Shay bagged two goals in a 3-0 win while playing as an inside-left. This made Shay the first player to score for Manchester United after the Munich Air Disaster. It didn’t take long for him to make an impact again as he scored in a 5-3 semi-final victory over Fulham. Even though Shay made an impressive start to his Manchester United career, he unfortunately did not play in the FA Cup Final, which they lost to Bolton 2-0.
Shay played as a right full-back as a senior player in his second season. He was strong and skilful which gave the Manchester United forwards the freedom to play attacking football. 10 years after making his senior debut for the club, Shay won the league title, which was Manchester United’s fourth league title under Sir Matt Busby. This team included Irish stars such as George Best, Noel Cantwell and Tony Dunne.
Republic of Ireland
In 1965, on the eve of his 28th birthday, Shay made his Republic of Ireland debut against Spain in a World Cup play-off. He was the first player born outside Ireland to be capped for the Republic of Ireland. Shay was allowed to represent the Republic of Ireland due to the new ancestry rule. He went on to captain the Irish side five times. Shay represented the Republic of Ireland 19 times between 1965 and 1970.
1968 European Cup Final
In 1968, Manchester United faced a Benfica side with Eusébio in Wembley. Starting as a right fullback was Shay Brennan. Players like George Best, Bobby Charlton, Brian Kidd and Nobby Stiles all started alongside him. The first goal came in the 53′ minute courtesy of Bobby Charlton who later went on to score another in extra time. Northern Ireland’s George Best and Manchester born Brian Kidd scored the last goal of the game to crown Manchester United European Champions.
“He could be hard, but, above all, he was a players’ player and a true footballer.”
– John Doherty, a leading member of the Manchester United Former Players’ Association.
Waterford
Shay joined Waterford United in 1970 as a player/manager. He stayed here for four years. On June the 9th, 2000, while playing golf at the Courtown Golf Club, he suffered a heart attack and passed away at the age of sixty-three. He was buried in his receptive town of Tramore in Co. Waterford.
Achivements
In 1986, Manchester United lost 2-0 to Shamrock Rovers in Glenmalure Park in Shay Brennan’s testimonial match.
Manchester United: First Division (1965,1967) European Cup (1968)
Waterford United: League of Ireland (1971–72, 1972–73), League of Ireland Cup (1973–74), Top Four Cup (1970–71, 1972–73), Texaco Cup (1974–75).
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