Updated: 1805
LOCAL FOOTBALL FANS have this evening cleaned up the bridge named after Liam Whelan, who died in the Munich Air Disaster.
Liam Whelan was 22-years-old when he lost his life with Manchester United team-mates in 1958 after a European Cup tie.
A local campaign in 2006 saw the railway bridge on the Fassaugh Road-Dowth Avenue renamed after the Ireland international who scored 43 times for the Busby Babes.
Today, the words ‘LFC Munich bastard’ were found to have been sprayed on the bridge.
Volunteer’s from nearby Bohemian FC have taken to the streets this evening, however, to attempt to repair the damage.
“Liam was both a local and international legend,” a statement on the club’s Facebook page reads.
“Everyone at Bohs echoes the unanimous condemnation that someone could carry out such a thoughtless and hurtful act, particularly as members of his family still live locally.
“A Cabra man and Ireland international, Whelan was one of 21 people killed in the 1958 Munich Air Disaster as Manchester United made a refuelling stop en route home from a European Cup tie in Belgrade.
“He is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, while the railway bridge at Fassaugh Road in Cabra was renamed in his honour in 2006. Both are just a short walk from Dalymount Park. Liam’s brother Christy is a long-time Bohs fan and is still a regular at Dalyer. Christy’s grandsons Donal and Cathal are also dedicated supporters of the club.”
Queries to Dublin City Council were not immediately answered. One local councillor said it’s standard practice for offensive vandalism to be removed ‘within 24 hours’.
First published 1700