Tributes paid to goalscoring legend Danny Hale following his passing

The football community across the island of Ireland is united in mourning following the passing of Danny Hale, one of the most prolific and respected strikers in the history of the game.

A titan of both the Irish League and League of Ireland, Danny passed away on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, leaving behind a historic legacy of over 300 senior goals.

Born in Waterfoot, Co. Antrim, in 1941, Hale’s 13-season career was defined by clinical finishing and record-breaking achievements at five of the country’s most prominent clubs.

An amateur international for Northern Ireland, Danny Hale played for Cliftonville, Glentoran, Crusaders, Dundalk, Derry City, and Ards.

Cliftonville FC led tributes at the loss of a man who began his senior journey at Solitude as a teenager in 1959. The club extended its deepest sympathies to its current captain Rory Hale and former player Ronan Hale, Danny’s grandsons, who have continued his incredible footballing dynasty.

Crusaders FC expressed profound sadness to a man who holds "legendary status" at Seaview. Inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2023, Hale scored a staggering 143 goals for the Crues. His 55-goal haul in the 1965/66 season remains a club record for a single campaign.

Danny joined Dundalk FC in 1966, becoming the spearhead of the historic 1966–67 treble-winning side. Under manager Alan Fox, he scored 28 goals in a single campaign, securing the League Championship, Shield, and Top Four Cup.

His 43 goals in 81 appearances for the Lilywhites cemented his status as a club icon.

Danny departed Dundalk in the summer of 1968 to join Derry City and he hit the ground running with a record breaking campaign. Hale was to fill the boots of Fay Coyle who had finished up at the end of the previous season,  but Hale was to make his own mark on the City front line, and in the memories of the Red and White Army.

The striker had won the League  with Dundalk and had been the top scorer in the 1966-67 season. The goals followed him to Brandywell and his lethal finishing particularly in the six yard box quickly made him a fans favourite.

He scored 45 goals in all competitions that season for City, which remains the club record to this day. Unsurprisingly, he scooped the Golden Boot Award for the season, notching up 21 League goals.

READ NEXT: IN PICTURES: Derry City Fans Forum held in Brunswick Moviebowl

In his three season for the Candystripes he scored more than 100 times and is still spoken off fondly by older supporters for his ability to grab key goals.

Hale was a legendary striker for the Candystripes in the Irish League period, and his impact on the game extended through his family. He was the proud grandfather of former Derry players Ronan and Rory Hale.

After his playing career, Danny remained closely connected to football and to North Belfast side Newington FC. He stepped in to take temporary charge of the first team on several occasions during the 1980s, providing steady leadership during periods of transition. Later, as Honorary President, he was a valued supporter and advocate who always took a keen interest in the club and its people.