Hugh Doherty (Co. Donegal)


Born in Buncrana Co. Donegal, Hugh ('Dickie') Doherty was spotted at Dundalk by Tommy Brogan and gave Celtic his signature as an amateur. He displaced Bobby Evans at outside right, sustained a cut temple on his debut but played with the blood pouring down his face.

The wound took five stitches and Hugh turned out against Queen's Park the following Saturday in a scrumcap.

His debut game involved a 2-0 League home win over Queen of the South on the 4th of January 1947.

He played for Celtic (Division A) in the Scottish Cup at Dens Park versus Dundee (Division B) on January 25th 1947. Celtic were a goal down when Hugh received the ball in the penalty area on half time but hit a trintler into the hands of the astonished Rueben Bennet.

Throughout the interval "Doherty's miss was the talk of the town."

Despite clubs attempts to make him accept money; Hugh remained obdurate for better terms and went home to Buncrana in May 1947.

With Blackpool, he consented to turn professional but his prospects as a right-winger were small; prior to Hugh in May 1947, the Seasiders had signed another outside right - the immortal Stanley Matthews.

Injuries forced his retirement while with Raith Rovers.

Appearances:
League: 3 appearances. 0 goals.
Scottish Cup: 1 appearance. 0 goals.
Total: 4 appearances. 0 goals.

Career:
Buncrana Celtic
Derry City November 1939 - May 1940
Temporary retirement
Buncrana Celtic August 1942
Dundalk October 1945
Celtic 23rd August 1946
Blackpool 1947
Raith Rovers on loan January 13 1949
Retired late 1949.

P. Sweeney (Secretary)
Parkhead House,
Dungloe,
Co.Donegal.
Ireland.