Organ donation saves top football scout

THE scout who discovered Republic of Ireland stars Roy
Keane, Robbie Keane and John O’Shea has told how organ donation saved his life.

Donnycarney man Noel McCabe’s extraordinary career as
a soccer scout, which spans over 40 years, is like a who’s who of famous
footballers.

Noel (66) was one of the founding members of Belvedere
Football Club and went on to work with Stella Maris and Oxford United until
they were relegated in 1988.

Some three years later while working as a scout for
Nottingham Forest, a young player from Cork sparked Noel’s interest – Roy
Keane.

“I went to watch Belvedere play Cobh Ramblers in
Fairview,

? he recalled.

“Belvedere hammered them that day but that was when I
saw Roy who was 17 at the time. He was outstanding so after the game I got in
touch with him to ask if he would go to Nottingham Forest for a trial.

Naivety

“When he went over I got a call from Cobh Ramblers to
say they wanted him back and Forest in their naivety sent him back before the
boss got to see him play.

“Then when word got out that Roy was over with Forest,
Spurs started to look for him.

“I think the one thing that swung it for Forest is
that Roy enjoyed his trial there. He then went to Manchester United when Forest
were relegated in 1993 and the rest is history.

?

On the recommendation of Irish football legend Ronnie
Whelan, Noel was then approached by Liverpool Football Club to become their
Irish scout.

“As Liverpool scout I came across Robbie Keane when I
went up to Monaghan to watch Oriel Celtic play Crumlin United in the Under 16
All-Ireland Final,

? Noel told Northside People.

“During the match Robbie Keane, who hadn’t been
noticed at the time, caught my attention.

Quick

“He was very quick and reminded me a lot of
Liverpool’s Robbie Fowler. Soon after I got Robbie over to Liverpool for a
trial but he was later told from people close to him at his own club that he
was aiming too high and that he would be better suited to a lower league club.

“After that it was Wolves swooped on him.

?

Noel also scouted John O’Shea who he said was

“destined

? for Liverpool Football Club until

“he made a few mistakes in his
heading ability

?.

“He wasn’t what they required as a centre half,

? Noel
said.

“I used to get e500 for each signing but that’s all
changed now.

“I can honestly say that I haven’t heard from any of
the players I scouted once they signed. They probably wouldn’t even know who I
am now.

?

In 1996 Noel was diagnosed with kidney disease.

Ravaged

It wasn’t that unexpected a diagnosis as Noel’s family
had been

“ravaged

? by polycystic kidneys.

“My sister died from the disease and another sister
had already had a transplant,

? he explained.

“On my father’s side no one had lived beyond 50.

“I went on dialysis three mornings a week from 6am to
9am and then I’d continue with my working day.

List

“I was put on a list for a transplant which I got in
1998 and I feel a hell of a lot better than before.

?

Noel said it was amazing to have been given the gift
of an organ.

“My sister and I are very fortunate to get a second
chance at life,

? he added.

With Organ Donation Awareness Week having just passed,
Noel is strongly urging people to carry a donor card and to think seriously
about becoming a donor.

Freetext the word

‘donor’ to 50050 if you would like
to receive an organ donor card or phone the Irish Kidney Association on 1890
543639.