Tributes pour in for soccer legend Charlie Hurley

April 25, 2024April 26, 2024 tcnadmin catholic, Charlie Hurley, football, REading FC, Sunderland FC, Tributes

Tributes have been paid to former Sunderland and Republic of Ireland defender Charlie Hurley following his death at the age of 87. Nicknamed ‘The King’, Hurley made more than 400 appearances for the Black Cats and was named the club’s Player of the Century in 1979.

Hurley, who was Catholic, began his professional career at Millwall and ended it at Bolton, winning 40 caps for Ireland in the meantime. Following his playing retirement, Hurley went on to manage Reading for five years between 1972 and 1977. During his tenure, the Royals earned promotion from Division Four during the 1974-75 campaign.

A statement on Sunderland’s official website said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charlie Hurley, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of Sunderland AFC.

“Named the Club’s Player of the Century in 1979, The King was a giant in the story of SAFC and his legacy on Wearside will forever endure.

Cork-born Hurley was raised in London, but made his name on Wearside, where he spent 12 years and played all but one game as Sunderland won promotion to the old first division at the end of the 1963-64 season. He made his Ireland debut as a 20-year-old in a 1-1 World Cup qualifier draw with England in Dublin in May 1957 and went on to captain his country on more than 20 occasions.

Football Association of Ireland president Paul Cooke said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Hurley’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“It is over 50 years since Charlie won the last of his 40 caps, but it is a measure of the esteem in which he was held in football that every Irish fan knows of the legend that was Charlie Hurley.

“We are proud that he played for Ireland and we extend our deepest sympathies to all who knew The King.”

Former Sunderland player, manager and chairman Niall Quinn said: “He was a complete icon. There are still kids in Sunderland getting tattoos of Charlie Hurley – the King!”

Upon retirement, Hurley settled in Hertfordshire and worked as a scout for Southampton.

Fr Marc Lyden-Smith, parish priest of St Mary Magdalen Church, Seaham Harbour and Chaplain to Sunderland FC said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charlie Hurley, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of Sunderland AFC.

“Our Player of the Century, The King was a giant in the story of SAFC and his legacy on Wearside will forever endure.

“A talented player and really lovely gentleman. Praying for him and his family whom he cherished. May he rest in peace.”