Matt Doherty (footballer)
Encyclopedia
Matt Doherty, Sr. is a former Northern Irish
professional association football player.
An attacking half-back, noted for his footwork and passing, Doherty was one of Derry City FC's early stars. During his time at the Brandywell he picked up winner's medals in the City Cup and North-West Cup, played in Derry's 0–2 defeat to Linfield FC in the 1936 Irish Cup
final, and in 1938 came within a whisker of helping the club to their first league title, Derry losing 1–3 to Belfast Celtic
in a replayed title-deciding test match.
1937–38 was perhaps Doherty's finest season, selected by both Ireland
and the Irish League
as a representative. In September 1937 he came extremely close to signing for Burnley FC before Derry rejected their £1,000 offer. He did finally leave the Brandywell in 1941, joining Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland
, though he returned to Derry after World War II
and finally tasted success in the Irish Cup.
Doherty, who also managed the club for a spell from late 1959 until the end of the 1960-61 Irish League season, is father to Matt Jr.
who also later went on to play for Derry.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
professional association football player.
An attacking half-back, noted for his footwork and passing, Doherty was one of Derry City FC's early stars. During his time at the Brandywell he picked up winner's medals in the City Cup and North-West Cup, played in Derry's 0–2 defeat to Linfield FC in the 1936 Irish Cup
Irish Cup
For the equivalent tournament in the Republic of Ireland, see FAI Cup.The Irish Cup is the national cup knock-out competition in Northern Irish football. Inaugurated in 1881, it is the fourth oldest national cup competition in the world...
final, and in 1938 came within a whisker of helping the club to their first league title, Derry losing 1–3 to Belfast Celtic
Belfast Celtic
Belfast Celtic Football Club was a football club in Northern Ireland that was founded in 1891, and was one of the most successful teams in Ireland until forced to withdraw from the Irish League in 1949.-History:...
in a replayed title-deciding test match.
1937–38 was perhaps Doherty's finest season, selected by both Ireland
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...
and the Irish League
IFA Premiership
The IFA Premiership – formerly the Irish Premier League, and before that the Irish Football League–and still known in popular parlance simply as the Irish League, is the national football league in Northern Ireland, and was historically the league for the whole of Ireland. Clubs in the league are...
as a representative. In September 1937 he came extremely close to signing for Burnley FC before Derry rejected their £1,000 offer. He did finally leave the Brandywell in 1941, joining Shamrock Rovers in the 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...
, though he returned to Derry after World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and finally tasted success in the Irish Cup.
Doherty, who also managed the club for a spell from late 1959 until the end of the 1960-61 Irish League season, is father to Matt Jr.
Matt Doherty Jr.
Matt Doherty, Jr. is a former Northern Irish professional association football player, for the Derry City FC. He is the son of Matt Doherty, Sr., who also played for the Derry club.-Career:...
who also later went on to play for Derry.