Tributes paid as Hoops ace Hamilton dies

SHAMROCK Rovers have paid tribute to former centre-forward and Ireland international Tommy Hamilton, who has died at the age of 90.

- BY MARK McCADDEN

Hamilton, who was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame in 1997, signed for Rovers from Manchester United in 1955, and went on to play for the Hoops against the Red Devils two years later in the European Cup.

He even scored against his old teammates as Rovers lost the second leg 32.

Hamilton, a Gaelic footballer with the Wicklow team that made the Leinster Minor final in 1952, was snapped up by United a year later from Dublin side Johnville.

He had impressed in an FA Youth Cup quarterfinal appearance against Everton and was offered a contract.