THE death of Derry City and Crusaders legend Arthur 'Mousey' Brady has prompted a wave of tributes to a "giant of Irish football".
Mr Brady, who passed away on Friday just four days before his 89th birthday, was also the final signing of Belfast Celtic before the famous club pulled out of the Irish League in 1949.
The winger – nicknamed 'Mousey' due to his 5ft 3in frame – starred for Derry City when they won the Irish Cup in 1954, in the final against Glentoran which went to three games and was watched by a total of 91,000 people.
He also spent a decade with north Belfast club Crusaders and the players' lounge at Seaview is named in his honour.
Crusaders chairman Stephen Bell described the life-long Crues fan whom he described as "a wonderful gentleman".
"He was and is a legend at Seaview and will be sadly missed by everyone at the club," he said.
"'Mousey' as we all knew him came to virtually every match at Seaview and stood at the same spot each week right beside where the old players tunnel used to be.
"There are many wonderful stories about Arthur that have been told, and a lot of them came from the man himself, but his character and smile will sadly no longer been seen around the ground.
"Arthur was one of the first to be inducted in the Crusaders Hall of Fame and we also have the players lounge named after the man.
"Crusaders have lost one of their own."
The Belfast Celtic Society also described Mr Brady, who lived in Hannahstown in west Belfast, as "a giant of Irish football".
"Just last October, Arthur was guest of honour at the Belfast Celtic Cup, handing out the medals to the victorious St Oliver Plunkett side on the day," it said.
"At that event, he spoke fondly of the Belfast 'Stripes' and of his deep regret that circumstances meant he wasn't able to forge a career at Belfast's 'Paradise'.
"To Arthur's family circle, we extend our heartfelt sympathy. Mousey left a touching mark on all who came across him and he has now gone to join the parade of champions at the ultimate Paradise.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílís, fear Ceiltigh."
Mr Brady, who also played for Larne FC towards the end of his career, took on a scouting role following his retirement.
Former Northern Ireland international Jim Magilton, now elite performance director with the IFA, also paid his respects via Twitter:
"So sad to hear about Arthur Brady. He had a tremendous influence on my early career and is a huge loss to the game."
