Irish footballer (1953–2024)
Eugene "Pooch" Davis (17 October 1953 – 14 June 2024) was an Irish footballer who played for several clubs, most notably Athlone Town with whom he won the League of Ireland title in 1981.[1]
Career
Davis began his football career with local side St Joseph's in Sallynoggin, lining out from under-12 up to the club's youth team. He was signed for League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers under Liam Tuohy in 1972.[2] He scored his first goal for The Hoops in the League of Ireland Shield but a wage dispute over bonuses for the League of Ireland Cup in August 1974 resulted in Davis joining Athlone Town after being released by Rovers.
He was a regular scorer for Athlone over the following six seasons, hitting a total of 49 league goals between 1974 and 1980.[3] Davis was the league's top scorer with 23 goals during Athlone's League of Ireland-winning 1980–81 season.[4][5][6] He scored twice against Vålerenga Fotball in the 1975–76 UEFA Cup to advance to play AC Milan[7]
Davis moved to St Patrick's Athletic in 1982, scoring 13 league goals in his debut season. A three-month with UCD was followed by an 18-month tenure with Bohemians. Davis brought his career to an end with Bray Wanderers in 1989 scoring 19 goals in 66 total appearances.[8]
[9]
Davis scored a total of 130 League of Ireland goals [10]
International career
A teammate of Liam Brady Davis' goals against Iceland helped Ireland qualify for the 1972 UEFA European Under-18 Championship, where they played England, Yugoslavia and Belgium [11]
Death
Davis died on 14 June 2024, at the age of 70.[12]
Honours
Athlone Town
References
- Sources