Dundalk FC legend Mick Fairclough is our guest on episode one of Voices of Oriel, a new podcast that tells the stories of some of the players, managers, officials and many characters associated with Dundalk Football Club over the years.
During his five seasons at Oriel Park between 1980 and 1984, Mick made 157 appearances for the club, scoring 62 goals. He was the club’s top scorer for three consecutive seasons between 1981 and 1983.
He picked up three winners medals during the 1980/81 campaign, helping Dundalk to the President’s Cup, the League Cup and then scoring in the FAI Cup final against Sligo Rovers at Dalymount Park.
Jim McLaughlin’s side finished that season as runners-up but they went one better 12 months later as Mick’s haul of 15 goals helped Dundalk to the 1981/82 League of Ireland title.
The Annagassan man also made history earlier that season when he scored in three successive European ties. Mick hit the target in both legs against Icelandic outfit Fram Reykjavik and, most memorably, in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Oriel Park.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, he received the ball from Martin Lawlor, beat the Spurs centre-half, and drew ‘keeper Ray Clemence off his line before coolly sliding the ball under his diving body in front of an ecstatic Oriel Park!
His performances for Dundalk were recognised when he was selected by Republic of Ireland manager Eoin Hand for the squad’s tour of South America in the summer of 1982.
Mick made two appearances, coming off the bench against Chile in Santiago and Trinidad and Tobago in the Port of Spain. He is the last player to have won a cap for the Republic of Ireland while playing for Dundalk.
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