Tommy Breen : Short Biography

Tommy Breen was born in Drogheda, County Louth in 1912. He is regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in the history of soccer. 

The early stages of Breen's soccer career were played out in Newry and Belfast where he gained notoriety as a skilled goalkeeper. 

In 1936 he made the move to England where he signed with Manchester United, debuting with them in November of that year. Although his time at Old Trafford got off to a rocky start where he conceded two goals in his first match, he soon found his rhythm with his new team. However his career with Man Utd was put on hold with the outbreak of World War II when the English games were suspended. He temporarily returned to Ireland where he played with Belfast once more. 

After the war, Breen was highly sought after by Manchester once more, however he had been playing with Linfield in the interim and they were not willing to let him go. He eventually transferred to Dublin where he signed with Shamrock Rovers. 

He also had the opportunity to represent his country in both the IFA and the FAI. 

Tommy Breen died in 1988, and is remembered as one of the greats in Irish soccer history.