Northern Ireland’s greatest ever goal-scorer, David Healy, who retired last night, is “one of our all-time sporting greats” according to NI Conservatives’ co-chair, Trevor Ringland.
“His goals provided some of the best nights that sports fans in Northern Ireland have ever had”, Trevor said. “To score 36 times at international level was an astonishing feat. The Green and White Army will remember most fondly his winner against England, or the astonishing hat-trick which humbled a Spanish team who went on to win the World Cup and two consecutive European Championships. However Healy also scored the goals which allowed us to beat minnows against whom Northern Ireland traditionally struggle – he got another, less heralded hat-trick in Lichtenstein and, even in the last campaign, it was his free kick which rescued a draw against Azerbaijan.”
“It is doubtful that his goal-scoring record will ever be beaten. Perhaps most importantly, Healy always conducted himself well on the field of play and cut a modest, self-effacing figure off it. I’m sure that, in his new capacity as a coach, he still has a great deal to offer sport in Northern Ireland. The fans awarded ‘Sir David’ their own honorary knighthood, but his contribution to our international team may even make him a candidate to have that title made official. He brought smiles to our faces and was a talisman during a time when the IFA was transforming the atmosphere at Windsor Park, with the support of the fans. I hope he has a thoroughly successful and enjoyable retirement and we’re all grateful for the many wonderful memories.”