Locals disgusted after Whelan Bridge attack

THE brother of Liam Whelan has thanked volunteers from Bohemian FC who rushed to clean up the bridge dedicated to the Manchester United and Ireland legend who died in the 1958 Munich Air Disaster.

Locals were outraged when Liam Whelan Bridge in Cabra was targeted by the mindless hooligans who painted insults mocking the deceased star and defaced the memorial plaque erected in his honour in 2006.

But none were more upset than his brother Christy and the Whelan family who still live within a short distance of the bridge named after their famous relative.

The heartless thugs painted the words

‘Munich B*****d’ on the bridge and insulted thousands of decent Irish Liverpool fans by scrawling the letters LFC over the plaque.

To add to the Liverpool supporters’ disgust, last week’s attack came during the week when all true football fans were helping them mark the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster that claimed the lives of 96 Reds fans.

As soon as news of the attack reached officials and supporters at Bohemians they rushed down to the bridge to cover up the offensive graffiti.

“Liam was both a local and international legend,

? a club spokesperson said.

“Everyone at Bohs echoes the unanimous condemnation of this act and shares the disbelief that someone could do something so thoughtless and hurtful, particularly as members of his family still live locally.

?

A Cabra man and an Ireland international, Whelan was one of 21 passengers killed in the 1958 Munich Air Disaster as Manchester United made a refuelling stop on their way home from a European Cup tie in Belgrade.

He is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, while the railway bridge at Fassaugh Road in Cabra was renamed in his honour in 2006. Both are just a short walk from Dalymount Park.

Liam’s brother Christy is a long-time Bohs fan and still regularly attends games. His grandsons Donal and Cathal are also dedicated supporters of the club.

Christy has expressed his gratitude on behalf of the family for their efforts in cleaning up the vandalised tribute to Liam.

“The Whelan family would like to thank the Bohemian supporters for all they’ve done with their work on the Liam Whelan Bridge, cleaning and repairing the damage to the plaque and its surrounds,

? he said.

“Their swift response and valuable work is much appreciated by the entire Whelan family.

?

Football fans of various teams visited the bridge following news of the attack and decked it out in club jerseys as a mark of respect for Liam and solidarity against the thugs.

Fianna Fáil Local Election Candidate, Paul Anthony Ward, said it was heartening to see that the bridge had been cleaned up by the council and that fans of different clubs had showed their support.

“The bridge was renamed in honour of Liam Whelan in 2006 not because he was a Man Utd man, but because he was a Cabra man,

? he said.

“It’s great to see the community, no matter which team they support, coming out to defend their own. This is the side of Cabra we never see in the media.

?

Liam Whelan joined Manchester United as an l8-year-old from Home Farm. One of his first tasks was to play in the 1953 FA Youth Cup Final against Wolves where he starred in a stunning 7-1 first leg victory.

Such was his talent during his spell with United’s youth team that he attracted a discreet inquiry from Brazil about his availability.

He was born on April 1 1935 and died on February 6. 1958.