Former Ireland great Noel Cantwell dies aged 73
11:14 Thursday September 8th 2005
Former Manchester United and Ireland star Noel Cantwell has died at the age of 73 following several years of ill health.
The Cork-born full-back made his debut for Ireland in 1953 and went on to win 36 international caps in his 14-year career.
He scored 14 goals for his country, which was a record at the time.
Cantwell captained Manchester United to FA Cup victory in 1963 and also served a spell as skipper of West Ham and manager of Coventry City.
08/09/2005, 12:00 PM
paudie
Very sad to hear this.
One of the all time greats of Irish and Cork football. (Also played cricket for Ireland I believe).
Some suitable way of keeping his memory should be made, perhaps naming the new Shed stand at Turners Cross after him.
May he rest in peace and my condolonces to his family.
08/09/2005, 12:02 PM
onenilgameover
A sad day for Ireland. R.I.P. Noel
08/09/2005, 12:27 PM
Bluebeard
Ní bhfacamid a leithéid arís.
R.I.P.
08/09/2005, 12:27 PM
Roo69
Noel Cantwell RIP
Former Manchester United captain Noel Cantwell has died at the age of 72 after a battle against cancer. Cantwell was signed for United by Sir Matt Busby in November 1960 from West Ham for £29,500 and spent six years at Old Trafford.
The full-back was captain of the United side that won the 1963 FA Cup and was skipper of the Republic of Ireland.
Cantwell managed Coventry and Peterborough and also represented Ireland at cricket.
Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney paid tribute to Cantwell.
Noel Cantwell was one of the great characters not only of football but of Irish sport in general," said Delaney.
"He was a great inspiration to those who played alongside him whether for club or country.
"On behalf of the FAI and the family of football in Ireland I extend sincere sympathy to Noel's family and friends."
Cantwell played for Western Rovers and Cork Athletic before West Ham brought him to England as an 18-year-old in 1952.
Cantwell won a second division championship medal in 1958 and made almost 250 appearances for the Hammers before leaving for Old Trafford.
He was club captain at United when they won the 1967 league title, although he made just four appearances that season.
Cantwell took over as manager of Coventry in October 1967 and presided over 200 games in charge before leaving in March 1972.
He also had two spells as Peterborough manager - the first from 1972 until 1977 and the second from 1986 until 1988.
The Cork-born defender also coached New England and Jacksonville in the North American Soccer League and was chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association.
Cantwell played cricket for Ireland, his one match coming in 1956 and comprising two innings for 48 runs with a highest score of 31 and two overs for 13 runs.
