Al Finucane

Who is Al Finucane?

Al Finucane was an Irish football player. During his 28 year career he played for League of Ireland sides Limerick, Waterford United and Newcastlewest. Finucane was also a member of several Republic of Ireland national football team squads.

Finucane played his first game for Limerick as a 17 year old in 1961. Finucane played in Europe for Limerick against CSKA Sofia in 1965 and 21 years later for Waterford against Bordeaux. He is the oldest player who ever played in any European club competition beating Dino Zoff's previous record. In September 1986, when he appeared against Girondins de Bordeaux in the European Cup-Winners' Cup, he was 43 years and 261 days old. Also, despite playing in so many games, Finucane was never sent off and only received 3 yellow cards. He won 3 FAI Cup winners medals; in 1971 and 1982 with Limerick and 1980 with Waterford. He also hold the record for the most League of Ireland appearances.

By the mid-1960s offers from cross-Channel clubs were pouring in. Everton came over to see the Limerick half-back in action in Milltown, Jock Stein arrived from Glasgow Celtic and there were scouting missions from Swindon Town and Millwall. Serious offers followed but after talks between the player and his Limerick manager, the decision was made to remain in Limerick.