A BUST of the man who led Ireland to its first football title has been unveiled at the Belfast stadium where the historic victory was clinched.
Former Belfast Celtic player Patrick O'Connell was captain of the Ireland team which secured the British Home Championship at Windsor Park in 1914, following a 1-1 draw with Scotland.
His remarkable story was recognised at the south Belfast stadium yesterday with the unveiling of a bronze sculpture, which was commissioned by members of the Patrick O'Connell Memorial Fund.
Created by Irish sculptor Joe Moran, the artwork will be presented to Real Betis football club in Spain next month, where O'Connell is credited with guiding the team to their only La Liga title.
It will be unveiled at a match between Real Betis and Real Sociedad on the weekend of March 3.
Originally from Dublin, O'Connell began his professional career at Belfast Celtic and became the first Irishman to captain Manchester United.
When he guided Real Betis to victory in 1934/35 he became the the only Irish manager to win a La Liga title, having clinched the second division championship with the club three years earlier.
He then managed FC Barcelona from 1935 to 1940 and is credited with saving the club from financial ruin during the Spanish Civil War.
A revered figure at the Catalan giants, he helped organise a money-spinning tour to Mexico and the US and was inducted into the club's hall of fame.
In 1937, O'Connell was given the title of honorary consul by the last republican government of Spain.
He later moved to London where he died destitute in 1959, with his legacy almost forgotten until recent years.
Fergus O'Dowd from the memorial fund said it was "only right" O'Connell was being celebrated for his achievements in football.
"The Patrick O'Connell Memorial Fund are delighted that this bust is being unveiled at Windsor Park, the place where Patrick and the Ireland team of 1914 won the British Home Championship - Ireland's first football title," he said.
"Belfast is also where are own journey began that of the memorial funds and we are overjoyed that this goal has now become reality."
Mr O'Dowd added: "Our group are delighted that Patrick O'Connell's bust will get to lie in Seville alongside the trophy Patrick won in 1935 and become the centrepiece of Real Betis Balompie's museum.
"It is only right that the only Irishman to ever win a La Liga championship is honoured in this way."
