EUGENE’S GREAT SPORTING DAYS
A master of the rings and soccer world
A meeting with Eugene Wade certainly brought back some memories last week.
A noted rings player and soccer star of the past, Eugene enjoyed incredible careers in both disciplines.
He created a bit of history when claiming the All-Ireland Rings title in the early 90s with Ollie Mullen’s, his dad, Hugh, also a national champion and only the Meehan family from Cork matching such an achievement.
He was part of 10 Drogheda League winning teams with The Thatch while his dad was also a multi winning national champion.
Over 30 years ago, the then 21 year old Eugene was the toast of Moneymore Utd when his goal gave them the Bendal Cup for the first time (1984) with a 1-0 win over Mick Wall’s Stackallen. The final was played at Parkview and the gate brought in - wait for it - £400!
The goal was set up by Johnny Thornton, dad of Sean.
I have to give a further mention of Johnny Thornton - and he might recall this - but in the semi-final with Rush Athletic, he scored two goals direct from corners in a 6-1 win.
They also included the likes of Tony Collier, Jim Hughes, Martin Grogan, John Kelly, Gerry Walsh, Gerard Kelly, Lar Gargan and Chris Sullivan.
He won 15 Drogheda Summer League soccer titles, with Tommys and the Admirals, including an 1986 double. That Admirals side had played under the title Clinton Utd before that and Anthony Carolan was the manager. Again, they featured such names as John Byrne in nets, Aidan Lambe, Joey Connor, John Dyas, Brian Quinn and Hughie Wade, not forgetting the legendary Tom Reilly.
Eugene also played with Drogheda Utd, signng for them in 1987, featuring in a squad with Mick Gorman, Gel Martin, Christy Ryan, Paul Thornton, John Dyas, Mickey Tully, the mighty Ben Buckley and front man, Joe Carr from Mornington.
I think Eugene bagged his first goal for Arthur Brady’s side in a friendly with Brentwood in August that year. Eugene also featured with Laytown and Grove.
Eugene is also a noted artist, his work featuring Millmount and Laurence’s Gate.