Obituary: Noel McFarlane
Everyone connected to Manchester United was saddened to hear that Noel McFarlane, a former Busby Babe, has passed away. He was 84.
Born in Bray, County Wicklow, McFarlane joined United from junior football in Ireland and was a member of the Reds’ 1952/53 FA Youth Cup team that defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers to triumph in the inaugural season of the competition.
He made one first-team appearance, as a 20-year-old, in the Reds' 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in February 1954.
The Irish forward returned to the Emerald Isle to play for Waterford, but was forced to retire due to illness.
However, he later made a comeback and proceeded to play non-league football in Manchester.
Everyone at the club extends since condolences to Noel's family and close friends at this difficult time.
Pictured: Noel McFarlane is furthest right on the middle row in the above photo, which shows the 1953/54 Manchester United youth team and coaching staff at a hotel in Bangor, Northern Ireland.
He made one first-team appearance, as a 20-year-old, in the Reds' 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in February 1954.
The Irish forward returned to the Emerald Isle to play for Waterford, but was forced to retire due to illness.
However, he later made a comeback and proceeded to play non-league football in Manchester.
Everyone at the club extends since condolences to Noel's family and close friends at this difficult time.
Pictured: Noel McFarlane is furthest right on the middle row in the above photo, which shows the 1953/54 Manchester United youth team and coaching staff at a hotel in Bangor, Northern Ireland.
Back to Top