Cork Native and Sunderland legend 'The King' Charlie Hurley passes away

Thu, 25 Apr, 2024 - 10:50

Former Republic of Ireland international Charlie Hurley has died aged 87.

Born in Cork in 1936, Hurley - regarded as one of the Ireland's greatest ever footballers - won 40 international caps between 1957 and 1969, captaining his side on over 20 of those occasions.

Hurley - who became known as 'The King' - was not only a legend in green. His move from Millwall to Sunderland in September of '57 signified the start of a 12-year career on Wearside that would eventually see him honoured with the title of the club's player of the 20th century.

The Ireland team who were beaten 1-0 by England in the World Cup qualifiers at Dalymount Park, Dublin in 1957. 01/04/1957 Ref. 489J Included is Charlie Hurley 5th from left and Noel Cantwell far right in back row. Old black and white

That honour was bestowed upon the Cork-born, London-raised centre-half in 1979.

John McHale, sports editor of the Evening Echo making a presentation to Sunderland legend Charlie Hurley at half time during the Cork City v. Sunderland friendly game at Turner's Cross

A spell with Bolton Wanderers concluded his playing career and preceded a five-year tenure as manager of Reading.

Hurley was first capped by Ireland at the age of 20 in a famous 1-1 draw with England at a packed Dalymount Park in a World Cup qualifier in May 1957.

He was inducted into the FAI’s Hall of Fame in 2007 when the then-Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn led the standing ovation at Dublin’s Jury’s Hotel.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Hurley’s family and friends at this difficult time,” said FAI President Paul Cooke.

“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'.” A Sunderland AFC statement read: "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.

Tony Fitzgerald, chairman Cork AUL presents the legends award to Charlie Hurley at the Cork AUL soccer honours in Heineken Ireland.

"A man mountain on the pitch and a gentleman off it, Charlie’s aura and charisma ensured that he was adored and idolised by supporters and team-mates alike.

"The defender started his career with Millwall in 1953 and he made over 100 appearances for the Lions before moving to Sunderland four years later. Hailed as ‘the greatest centre-half the world has ever seen’ by the Roker Park faithful, Charlie spent 12 memorable years on Wearside and forged an eternal bond with the Club’s supporters.

"He featured in all but one game during the Lads’ 1963-64 promotion-winning campaign and following his farewell appearance in 1969, he remains one of only ten players to surpass 400 appearances in red and white... Charlie adored Sunderland and Sunderland will always adore him. Our heartfelt sympathies are with his family, and all who loved him."