Former Manchester United captain Noel Cantwell honoured with walkway in his native Cork

The family of an Irish sporting legend said they are deeply moved after a walkway near his childhood home was named in his honour.

The Noel Cantwell Walk, named after the Cork-born former Manchester United skipper and Republic of Ireland international who also played cricket for Ireland, was unveiled on the city’s Mardyke yesterday — a kick of a ball from where he sported and played as a child.

His widow, Maggie, said Noel, who was one of Ireland’s first big international soccer stars, was always very proud of his Cork roots. “He was a true son of Cork. I am here with my daughters Elizabeth and Kate, and my two grandsons, Samuel and Joseph, and we are absolutely delighted,” she said.