Joe Hanrahan

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Joe Hanrahan (born March 21, 1964 in Limerick) was an Irish football player during the 1980s and 1990s.

Hanrahan came from a sports mad family - his father had playing hurling for Limerick and 3 of his brothers (Peter, Gary and Dave) played in the League of Ireland. He played schoolboy football with local side Vereker Clements earning 5 schoolboy caps for Ireland and soon attracted interest from cross-channel in the shape of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Despite this interest from Wolves, Joe decided to sign for UCD where he spent 4 productive years. The highlight of his time at Belfield was the 1983/84 season where he picked up an FAI Cup winners medal, scoring in the replay as UCD beat Shamrock Rovers 2-1. His form was noticed by his fellow professionals and he was voted PFAI Young Player of the Year. He also gained Inter-League and Under-21 representative honours during that season.

Manchester United swooped to take Hanrahan to Old Trafford but after 2 years there, he returned to Dublin without making a senior appearance. He signed for Shamrock Rovers in 1987 and after 5 goals in 27 games in the clubs infamous reign at Tolka Park, he moved to his hometown club Limerick City in 1988 under the management of Billy Hamilton. They finished third in the league that season but Hamilton left during the 1989/90 season and Limerick never challenged.

Hanrahan was on the move again in 1990 where Jim McLaughlin took up north to Derry City. He won 2 League Cup medals at the club, scoring in the 91 final against his old club Limerick. He also played for Dundalk and Bohemians (alongside his brother Peter) before retiring from the game.

[edit] Honours

  • PFAI Young Player of the Year
    • UCD - 1983/84