Christy Whelan, brother of Busby Babe Liam, passes away

Christy Whelan, brother of tragic Manchester United Busby Babe Liam, has passed away aged 89.

A noted amateur player himself, Christy was a renowned left half good enough to play League of Ireland level with Transport.

A lifelong Bohs fan, Christy and his siblings grew up beside Dalymount Park, and he started going to games regularly with his father John who passed away in 1943.

In an interview with the Irish Independent three years ago, Christy lovingly spoke about his younger brother Liam who was tragically killed in the Munich Air Disaster in 1958 aged just 22.

“He used to be in the playground in Cabra,” he said.

“There was a ranger that used to arrange matches for them with all the other playgrounds in Dublin.

“His team were unbeaten for years.

“If you go to Dalymount now there’s still a section there where if you asked if anyone there had played in the playground with Liam Whelan, a couple of hands would pop up.

“He used to take Ronnie Whelan Sr, who was our neighbour, on the crossbar of his bike.”

“What he did with United was massive.

“But playing for Ireland against England meant so much to him.”

Bohemians FC paid the following tribute to Christy this morning on their website:

“A football family, Christy’s love of Bohemians passed through the generations – his grandsons Donal and Cathal Breathnach, cut from the same cloth as their grandfather, are both members of the club.

“To them, and all of Christy’s family, we extend our warmest sympathies.

“These are difficult times to say goodbye to a loved one as restrictions do not afford those grieving the comfort of friends and extended relatives.

“With that in mind, we ask all supporters to keep Christy’s family in their thoughts, and to sign the online book of condolences.

“A minute’s silence will be held in his honour at Bohs’ game against Derry City on Friday.”