Paddy Roche

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For the Northern Ireland politician, see Patrick Roche (politician).

Paddy Roche (born January 4, 1951 in Dublin) was an Irish football player and goalkeeper.

Paddy started his career with Shelbourne with whom he won the first of his eight full international caps. During his time with Shels he made 100 League of Ireland appearances and scored one league goal. He was on the losing side in the 1973 FAI Cup Final as Shels lost to Cork Hibernians in a replay. He transferred to Manchester United in 1973 for a fee of £15,000.

Roche made 46 league appearances for United, largely playing second fiddle to Alex Stepney and then Gary Bailey. In 1982, he transferred to Brentford, before joining Halifax Town two years later. He moved on in 1989 after 184 Football League appearances for The Shaymen, briefly spending time with Chester City as cover for Billy Stewart. However, he left after failing to make any first-team appearances for the Cheshire side.

Paddy's brother Willie played for St. Patrick's Athletic F.C..