Billy Whelan

William Augustine Whelan (1 April 1935 – 6 February 1958), known as Billy Whelan or Liam Whelan, was an Irish footballer. He started his career at Home Farm, before joining Manchester United in 1953, at the age of 18. In total, he played 98 games and scored 52 goals for Manchester United in all matches. He was also capped four times for the Republic of Ireland, and notably played in a 4–1 win against the Netherlands.

Whelan was killed in the Munich air disaster on 6 February 1958, at the age of 22. He had travelled with the team to Belgrade, but did not end up playing against Red Star Belgrade. He is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, and had a railway bridge in Dublin renamed after him.


Personal life
Whelan had two brothers, who both played football. One brother, John, played for Shamrock Rovers and Drumcondra, while his eldest brother Christy played for Transport.

Honours
Manchester United
 Football League First Division: 1955–56, 1956–57
 FA Charity Shield: 1956, 1957
 FA Cup runner-up: 1956–57

References

Category:1935 births
Category:1958 deaths
Category:Sportspeople from Dublin
Category:Irish footballers
Category:Manchester United F.C. players
Category:Footballers killed in the Munich air disaster