On February 2nd 1946,
Arsenal's Kevin O'Flanagan played for the Northern Ireland international team
against Scotland at Lansdowne Road, having earlier represented Ireland Rugby
against France in Dublin seven days earlier. In 1947, he also played once in an
official rugby international against Australia, having established a reputation
with the University Club of Dublin and London Irish.
He was obviously a good all
round athlete, appearing in the long jump as well as being a successful sprinter, he played Gaelic
Football, golf and tennis.
A doctor, he was one of the
last amateurs to play first team football for Arsenal, remaining
"unpaid", so he could continue with his international rugby. The
"Flying Doctor" made 14 league appearances just after the Second
World War and two FA Cup ties, scoring twice.
He first played for Bohemians
(Bohs) between 1936-45 making 145 appearances. He then spent two years at
Arsenal until 1947 and appeared in over 50 games for the Corinthian Casuals,
the famed amateur team that only played in cup games and friendlies.
He dabbled with Barnet FC and
Brentford FC post war, played with the Ireland FA XI v Scotland alongside well
known Manchester United stars, Johnny Carey and Jimmy Dunne.
His brother Mick was also a
fine all rounder and another brother Charlie played for the Bohs,
After playing, Kevin took up
the medical job with the British Olympic team in 1948 at London,and was
appointed to the International Olympic Committee from 1976 through to 1994.
Denis Compton was one of
Arsenal's more famous amateurs, better known for his cricket. But he was
hampered by injury, many said that he was a better footballer than cricketer!
he won an FA Cup winners medal in 1950.
Bernard Joy, below, who made his name as a sports' writer, played for Arsenal as an amateur and was the last amateur to play for R#England's full international side.
Vivian Woodward of Tottenham
and Chelsea in the beginning of the 20th Century, was also an accomplished
amateur playing in the top flight. His history is on this link.....
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