'Nothing I say or do could ever repay the life you have given me': Rory Hale pays tribute to grandfather - and former Irish League striker - Danny after passing

Hale started his senior career at Cliftonville, making his debut in an Ulster Cup tie with Coleraine at Solitude on August 15, 1959 and went on to score 20 goals in 52 appearances for the Reds.

He enjoyed spells at Glentoran, Crusaders, Dundalk and Derry City before rounding out his playing career at Ards in the early-1970s.

Hale, who also earned three Northern Ireland amateur international caps, netted over 300 goals across all clubs – he scored 143 times in four seasons for the Crues, including a club record of 55 goals in the 1965/66 campaign.

He watched on proudly as grandsons Rory and Ronan forged their own careers in football.

The two brothers followed in Danny’s footsteps by playing for Crusaders, Derry City and Cliftonville – Rory and Ronan won an Irish Cup with the Reds in 2024, the latter scoring twice in extra-time against Linfield at Windsor Park.

In tribute to his grandfather, Rory posted on social media: “Heartbroken...nothing I say or do could ever repay the life you have given me. Until we meet again lodger!”

Cliftonville posted: “Cliftonville Football Club offers deepest sympathy to our captain Rory Hale and his brother Ronan following the loss of their grandfather, former Reds striker Danny Hale.

"After turning out for the Strollers and Olympic teams, Danny made his senior Reds bow in an Ulster Cup tie with Coleraine at Solitude on August 15, 1959 and his debut strike was the first of 20 goals in 52 appearances for Cliftonville, whom he last represented in a League fixture with Ards on April 29, 1961.

“Thereafter, he starred with distinction for Glentoran, Crusaders, Dundalk and Derry City before bringing the curtain down on a memorable career with a spell at Ards in the early 1970s.

“The Waterfoot man, who earned three Amateur International caps for Northern Ireland, was the League of Ireland’s Top Goalscorer in the 1966/67 season and claimed the Irish League’s equivalent accolade in 1968/69 and, though he did not enjoy any trophy successes in his time with the Reds, celebrated Intermediate Cup, Ulster Cup and County Antrim Shield triumphs on the domestic scene alongside winning the League of Ireland title, League of Ireland Shield and Top Four Cup with Dundalk.

“Fondly recalled by fans of every Club he represented, Danny’s grandsons Rory and Ronan followed in his footsteps when they signed for the Crues, Derry and, of course, Cliftonville, with everyone at Solitude extending condolences to the wider family circle and Danny’s many friends in and outside of football at this very sad time. May he rest in peace.”

Dundalk FC posted in tribute: “Everybody at Dundalk Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Danny Hale, one of the most prolific and respected goalscorers to have represented the club.


"Renowned for his sharp instincts, intelligent movement and clinical finishing, he was widely regarded as one of the outstanding centre-forwards of his generation.

"He joined Dundalk FC ahead of the 1966–67 season, arriving at a time of renewal for the club in a newly redeveloped Oriel Park.

"Under player-manager Alan Fox, Danny became a central figure in one of the most successful seasons in Dundalk’s history.

"He scored 28 goals in all competitions during that campaign, finishing as the Club’s leading scorer and playing a crucial role as Dundalk claimed the League Championship, Shield and Top Four Cup.

“His performances earned him the Dundalk FC Supporters’ Club Player of the Year award.

“Danny remained with the Club for a second season, featuring in European football against Vasas Budapest and once again contributing important goals before moving on late in the 1967–68 campaign. His Dundalk record stands at 81 appearances and 43 goals.

"Everyone at Dundalk FC extends our deepest sympathies to Danny’s family, friends, and former teammates at this difficult time.”