Paddy Farrell
Encyclopedia
Paddy Farrell is a former Irish footballer
who played for Bohemians and Hibernian
during the 1930s. He was born in Athlone, Ireland
. As an international he also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI
. At the outbreak of the Second World War, Farrell joined the RAF
and after completing his service set up a dental practice in Hull
.
before joining Bohemians
where his team mates included Fred Horlacher
and Billy Jordan
. He was initially restricted to the reserves until coach Bill Lacey spotted a fault in his running style. Intensive coaching corrected the problem and Farrell subsequently played a prominent role in Bohs FAI Cup
run during the 1934–35 season. Farrell first scored in the 5-2 second round win against Waterford United. He also scored the winner in the semi-final replay against that seasons eventual League of Ireland
champions, Dolphins
. Farrell played in the final against Dundalk
but had to go off injured with over 30 minutes remaining. Despite this, the remaining 10 men held on for a 4–3 win.
soon attracted the attention of
Hibernian
. His mother initially had doubts about the move but was impressed with the terms offered. As well as an £800 signing on fee, Farrell was also to attend the University of Edinburgh
where he would study dentistry
with Hibs paying the fees and arranging training around his lectures.
and the FAI
both claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland
and selected players from the whole island. As a result several notable Irish players from this era, including Farrell, played for both teams.
, Jackie Brown
and Jimmy Dunne
as well as Farrell. Farrell made his debut for the FAI XI on 17 May in a 1–0 win against Switzerland
. A week later, on 23 May, he also helped the FAI XI defeat France
2–0. This would prove to be his last appearance for the FAI XI.
in a 1–0 win against Wales
at Windsor Park
.
. After the war was over, he used his dentistry training to set up a practice in Hull
.
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
who played for Bohemians and Hibernian
Hibernian F.C.
Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts...
during the 1930s. He was born in Athlone, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
. As an international he also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI
Ireland national football team (IFA)
The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...
. At the outbreak of the Second World War, Farrell joined the RAF
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
and after completing his service set up a dental practice in Hull
Kingston upon Hull
Kingston upon Hull , usually referred to as Hull, is a city and unitary authority area in the ceremonial county of the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It stands on the River Hull at its junction with the Humber estuary, 25 miles inland from the North Sea. Hull has a resident population of...
.
Bohemians
Farrell began his career playing junior football with Home FarmHome Farm F.C.
Home Farm Football Club is an Irish football club based in Whitehall, Dublin. Originally founded in 1928, the club joined the League of Ireland in 1972 after merging with Drumcondra. Following this merger they were briefly known as Home Farm Drumcondra...
before joining Bohemians
Bohemian F.C.
Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
where his team mates included Fred Horlacher
Fred Horlacher
Fred Horlacher was an Irish footballer who played for Bohemians in the League of Ireland during the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. As an international Horlacher represented both Ireland teams. He played as a senior for the FAI XI and as an amateur for the IFA XI...
and Billy Jordan
Billy Jordan
Billy Jordan was one of the outstanding football players in Ireland during the 1930s.-Club career:Jordan began his footballing life at St Francis who played in the St Dominic's Boys Sodality League. He joined Bohs from Villa Rangers in 1928/29...
. He was initially restricted to the reserves until coach Bill Lacey spotted a fault in his running style. Intensive coaching corrected the problem and Farrell subsequently played a prominent role in Bohs FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
run during the 1934–35 season. Farrell first scored in the 5-2 second round win against Waterford United. He also scored the winner in the semi-final replay against that seasons eventual League of Ireland
League of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
champions, Dolphins
Dolphin F.C. (Dublin)
Dolphin F.C. is a former Irish football club, originally based in the Dublin suburb of Dolphin's Barn. They played in the League of Ireland between 1930 and 1937. In 1935 they were league champions...
. Farrell played in the final against Dundalk
Dundalk F.C.
Dundalk Football Club is a professional Irish football club based in Dundalk, County Louth. The club currently play in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. Founded in 1903, they are the second most successful team, in terms of trophies won, in the history of the League of Ireland. The...
but had to go off injured with over 30 minutes remaining. Despite this, the remaining 10 men held on for a 4–3 win.
Hibernian
Farrell’s performances in the FAI CupFAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
soon attracted the attention of
Hibernian
Hibernian F.C.
Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts...
. His mother initially had doubts about the move but was impressed with the terms offered. As well as an £800 signing on fee, Farrell was also to attend the University of Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a public research university located in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The university is deeply embedded in the fabric of the city, with many of the buildings in the historic Old Town belonging to the university...
where he would study dentistry
Dentistry
Dentistry is the branch of medicine that is involved in the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Dentistry is widely considered...
with Hibs paying the fees and arranging training around his lectures.
Irish international
When Farrell played international football between 1937 and 1938, there were in effect, two Ireland teams, chosen by two rival associations. The IFAIrish Football Association
The Irish Football Association is the organising body for association football in Northern Ireland, and was historically the governing body for Ireland...
and the FAI
Football Association of Ireland
The Football Association of Ireland is the governing body for the sport of association football in the Republic of Ireland. It should not to be confused with the Irish Football Association , which is the organising body for the sport in Northern Ireland.For the full history, statistics and records...
both claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
and selected players from the whole island. As a result several notable Irish players from this era, including Farrell, played for both teams.
FAI XI
In 1937 Farrell made two appearances for the FAI XI. In May 1937 the FAI organised a European tour with a squad that included Tommy BreenTommy Breen
Tommy Breen is a former Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for, amongst others, Belfast Celtic, Manchester United, Linfield and Shamrock Rovers...
, Jackie Brown
Jackie Brown (footballer)
Jackie Brown , also referred to as Johnny Brown or John Brown, was a dual internationalist who played football for both Ireland teams – the IFA XI and FAI XI...
and Jimmy Dunne
Jimmy Dunne
James Dunne , commonly referred to as Jimmy Dunne, was an Irish footballer who played for, among others, Shamrock Rovers, Sheffield United, Arsenal and Southampton...
as well as Farrell. Farrell made his debut for the FAI XI on 17 May in a 1–0 win against Switzerland
Switzerland national football team
The Swiss national football team is the national football team of Switzerland...
. A week later, on 23 May, he also helped the FAI XI defeat France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
2–0. This would prove to be his last appearance for the FAI XI.
IFA XI
On 16 March 1938 Farrell made his only appearance for the IFA XIIreland national football team (IFA)
The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...
in a 1–0 win against Wales
Wales national football team
The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...
at Windsor Park
Windsor Park
Windsor Park is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the home ground of Linfield F.C. and the Northern Ireland national football team. It is also where the Irish Cup and Irish League Cup finals are played.-History:...
.
After football
At the outbreak of the Second World War, Farrell enlisted in the Royal Air ForceRoyal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
. After the war was over, he used his dentistry training to set up a practice in Hull
Kingston upon Hull
Kingston upon Hull , usually referred to as Hull, is a city and unitary authority area in the ceremonial county of the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It stands on the River Hull at its junction with the Humber estuary, 25 miles inland from the North Sea. Hull has a resident population of...
.