1960's TIMES PAST: MICK MILLINGTON R.I.P.: 1940 - 2021 Former Cork Celtic Wing Half

A member of the great Cork Celtic team of the 1960’s, the late MICK MILLINGTON was an epitome of an old fashioned wing half with his blistering speed in the tackle, aggression and support play setting him aside from his contemporaries.The Dubliner won his first major trophy at a flooded Turners Cross, Cork, in 1956 when he helped Stella Maris defeat South End United of Cork in the Evans Cup final, in a game famous for the sending off of the former Manchester United and Leeds United Irish international, Johnny Giles.

Selected On League Of Ireland National Team In 1964

In 1962, Mick a former apprentice with Aston Villa, signed for Cork City from Transport as a replacement for the injured Ray Cowhie and emerged from a local derby with colours flying as Celtic came out second best to Shield leaders, Cork Hibernians, by the odd goal in five at the famed Mardyke venue. Less than a month later his outstanding display contributed greatly to Celtic’s 2-0 win over Dublin side, Drumcondra in the second replay of the Dublin City Cup at Turner’s Cross. Incidentally this was the first time a League of Ireland side flew into Cork for a fixture. In terms of trophies, Mick’s stay in Cork was almost barren.

He earned a League Championship runners-up medal in 1962 when they were beaten by in a play-off by Shelbourne and experienced a similar memento following a heartbreaking FAI Cup final replay loss to Shamrock Rovers in 1964. Mick was rewarded for a brilliant display v Shelbourne by his selection on the League of Ireland team, which played the Italian League. He was later the recipient of widespread media acclaim for his energy sapping performance against Slavia Sofia when Celtic, against all the odds, held them to 1-1 draw in Bulgaria in the European Cup Winners Cup. Mick Millington transferred to Dundalk in the summer of 1965 and struck gold in his second season helping the Lily Whites to the League Championship. He made 183 appearances with Dundalk and is rated as one of their greatest ever players.

Off the field, Mick was a successful business executive in the clothing industry employing over sixty workers in manufacturing and he was also represented in the retail fashion trade. Mick Millington, a native of the Famed Liberities, died in Dublin,aged eighty.

1960's TIMES PAST: Dubliner, BEN HANNIGAN R.I.P. Left Big Footprints at League Of Ireland Clubs:

 3rd September 1943  4th February 2021.

BIG BEN HANNIGAN, was one of the great characters of Irish soccer in the 1960’s and ‘70’s. Soccer fans of those nostalgic eras bemoaned the lack of entertainers such as Ben. He left an indelible mark throughout the League, especially with fans of the six clubs he represented including Shelbourne (three times); Dundalk (twice); Shamrock Rovers; Sligo Rovers, St. Patricks Athletic and Cork Celtic, who were fortunate enough to see him in their colours.

Ben At Wrexham

In the mid 1960’s Ben also played for Wrexham, but mssing the craic and camaraderie, he returned to Dublin after making seven appearances with the Welsh side. In an exciting chapter of his career, he won League Championship titles with three clubs, Shelbourne, Dundalk and Cork Celtic, a remarkableachievement.

Following those glorious chapters, he then went on a bit of a tour assisting Sligo Rovers, St. Patricks Athletic and Shelbourne, before signing for Cork Celtic during their glory season of 1974. An injury to Bobby Tambling in a defeat to Cork Hibernians, saw Celtic manager, the charismatic Paul O’Dovovan, swoop for 31 years old Ben Hannigan, and this move proved successful.

Ben quickly became a fans favourite on Leeside, and was the character of the team making 19 appearances and contributed five goals as Celtic, The Cinderella Club, went on to win the League Championship for the only time in the clubs history.

Quotes on the contributions of Ben Hannigan as a great soccer performer........

Ben won the League with three clubs - Shels (1962), Dundalk (1967) and Cork Celtic (1974) - and contributed handsomely in the goals department, even though he was more noted for his ability to set up chances for his striking partners. "He had loads of assists because he had great vision, and could pick out a pass.

"For such a tall player, well over 6ft, he didn't score many goals with his head, but he had two good feet. "He had loads of assists because he had great vision, and could pick out a pass.

"For such a tall player, well over 6ft, he didn't score many goals with his head, but he had two good feet.

With Charlie O'Leary, he was often asked to speak at different events, and he invariably persuaded Charlie to tell the story that never happened.

"I'm refereeing Dundalk v Bohs, and I'm going to book him, and he puts his arm around me, and he says, 'Look at that crowd. Do you think they came to see you or to see me?'" That was pure Ben, and it always drew a laugh, with Charlie a willing fall guy.

Tributes Composed by Michael Casey & Plunkett Carter