THE funeral of Hughie Hamilton, who played under Brian Clough at Hartlepool United in the 1960s, and went on to bag a brace for Limerick to win the FAI Cup, takes place at Holy Trinity Church, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool at 2pm on tomorrow, Tuesday.


Tributes have poured in for Hughie in Limerick where he played a leading role in securing their first ever FAI Cup win in 1971, including from his former team mates Kevin Fitzpatrick and Al Finucane.

"The much-liked Scotsman joined Hartlepool from Falkirk in the early 1960s and returned to Hartlepool when his Limerick playing days were over.

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The late Hughie Hamilton's visits back to Limerick would always see fans wanting to spend time with him and have photographs taken alongside their hero.

Hughie’s wife Yvonne, son Hugh and daughter Debbie have said that they have been overwhelmed by the warmth, sincere wishes and love shown towards Hughie and the family since the sad news broke of his passing last week.

He’s been a regular figure at Hartlepool's matches over the decades in a number of capacities from coaching and inspiring youngsters, driving the youth team bus, plus a familiar face on hospitality duties during match days representing the club.

Double European Cup winning captain with Notts Forest John McGovern, who used to clean Hughie’s boots when a youngster at Pools, said: “Hughie Hamilton was a player that could get the spectators off their seats because he had the ability to go past players. Like myself, Hughie considered it a true privilege to play for 'Pools. He was a great character and very popular."

Lovely article. Pity Hughie is remembered so fondly in the Limerick Advertiser but not, as far as I can see, in the Fail, Echo or Hartlepool's Official site

The club site didn't even acknowledge Ernie Phythian two years ago so I'm not shocked sadly.

The trouble with these things is mot people in the club or media given the passage of time, won’t be aware of these ex players and generally if informed by someone in the know will respond. Generally speaking it’s not out of not caring but not knowing.
I’ll be honest when the name first came up I was scratching my head at first.

A tribute on the official site now.

They do keep an eye on the Bunker then

Yes, they do….. eventually