- Pierce O'Leary
Pierce O'Leary (born
November 5 1959 inDublin ) is an Irish former professional footballer. Pierce is the brother of former Arsenal star and fellow Irish internationalDavid O'Leary .He signed for
Shamrock Rovers in 1977 underJohn Giles and went to win theFAI Cup in 1978. A week after the Cup Final he signed forPhiladelphia Fury where he spent three years. In 1981 he signed for Vancouver Whitecaps before joining Celtic in November 1984.He earned 7
Republic of Ireland national football team caps while at Milltown, fiveRepublic of Ireland national under-21 football team caps and made three appearances for Rovers in European competition.The tall centre-half made his Celtic debut in a 2-1
Scottish Cup victory atHamilton Accies onJanuary 30 1985 . He came on as substitute in the1985 Scottish Cup final as Celtic came from behind to defeatDundee United 2-1. He then made enough appearances to claim a League Championship medal after Celtic pipped Hearts for the title on the final day of the 1985-86 season.He was forced to retire in 1988 due to recurring pelvic trouble.
Pierce's son
Ryan O'Leary is now a professional footballer with Kilmarnock.Honours
*"'
FAI Cup
**Shamrock Rovers - 1978*"'
Scottish League
**Celtic F.C. - 1984/85*"'
Scottish Cup
**Celtic F.C. - 1985Trivia
*Pierce is the only player to have played for and against Shamrock Rovers in European competition.
*Was part of the first team to play a European tie at Milltown.
*Partnered his brother
David O'Leary three times for Ireland against Bulgaria and Northern Ireland in 1979 and Holland in 1980.
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