Tommy O'Connor

Football manager infobox
playername = Tommy O'Connor


fullname = Thomas O'Connor
dateofbirth =
cityofbirth = Dublin
countryofbirth = Ireland
dateofdeath = June 30 1987
position = Outside Left
youthyears =
youthclubs =
years = 194x-194x
clubs = Shamrock Rovers
caps(goals) = 0
nationalyears = 1951
1949
nationalteam = League of Ireland XI
Ireland
nationalcaps(goals) = 01 (0)
04 (0)

Thomas O'Connor (born Dublin, Ireland; died June 30 1987), also known as Tommy O'Connor or Tom O'Connor, was an Irish footballer who played for Shamrock Rovers. On September 21 1949, together with Con Martin, Johnny Carey and Peter Farrell, he was also a member of the Ireland team that defeated England 2–0 at Goodison Park, becoming the first non-UK team to beat England at home.

O'Connor first attracted attention while playing for Shamrock Rovers in the early part of the 1948-49 season. His impressive performances for Rovers led him to making four appearances for Ireland in 1949. He made his international debut on September 8 1949 in a 3-0 win against Finland at Dalymount Park. The game was a 1950 World Cup qualifier and O'Connor put in an impressive performance, helping the Irish win 3-0. Despite this he was considered a surprise choice for the game against England and was selected ahead of both Tommy Eglington and Jackie O'Driscoll. Together with Tommy Godwin, he was one of two Shamrock Rovers players in the Irish line-up at Goodison Park and both played their part in the 2-0 win. While Godwin was outstanding goal, O'Connor set up both the Irish goals. Ireland took the lead in the 33rd minute when Peter Desmond, after collecting a pass from O'Connor, burst into the England penalty area and was brought down. Con Martin then converted the subsequent penalty kick. Then in the 85th O'Connor slipped the ball to Peter Farrell and as the English goalkeeper Bert Williams advanced, Farrell calmly and coolly lofted the ball into the unguarded net.

After the game Godwin and O'Connor travelled back to Dublin by ferry with the Irish fans. While Godwin was subsequently signed by Leicester City, O'Connor returned to Rovers and his job as a typesetter with the "Irish Times". He made his third appearance for Ireland on October 9 in the return game against Finland which finished as a 1-1 draw. He then made his final international appearance on November 13 against Sweden in 3-1 home defeat. Like his debut, both of these games were World Cup qualifiers. After leaving Rovers, O'Connor played in the Leinster Senior League [ [http://www.soccerscene.ie/sssenior/player.php?id=348 Ireland stats] ] ["The Complete Who's Who of Irish International Football, 1945-96" (1996):Stephen McGarrigle [http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1851588949] ] [ [http://www.independent.ie/sport/arkle-becomes-king-512456.html?startindex=-1 www.independent.ie] ] ["The Boys In Green - The FAI International Story" (1997): Sean Ryan [http://www.amazon.ca/dp/1851589392] ] .

Honours

Shamrock Rovers

*"'Inter-City Cup:
** 1949: 1

*LFA Presidents Cup:
** 1948-49: 1

References