Former Ireland international Charlie Hurley dies aged 87

Former Republic of Ireland defender Charlie Hurley has died at the age of 87.

The centre-half won 40 caps for Ireland between 1957 and 1969 and was considered among the best defenders in England during his playing career, finishing a close second behind World Cup-winning England captain Bobby Moore in the Football Writers Player of the Year award for the 1963/1964 season.

Born in Cork in 1936, Hurley began his career with Millwall after moving to Essex with his family at a young age.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charlie Hurley, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of Sunderland AFC.

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) April 25, 2024

He is perhaps best known for his time at Sunderland, having played over 400 times for the side. He was christened ‘The King’ by their supporters and was named the Black Cats’ player of the century in 1979.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charlie Hurley, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of Sunderland AFC," said the club in a statement.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Hurley's family and friends at this difficult time," added FAI president Paul Cooke. "It is over 50 years since Charlie won the last of his 40 caps but it is a measure of the esteem in which he was held in football that every Irish fan knows of the legend that was Charlie Hurley."