Former Irish star Conroy ‘critical’

THE FAI have said that the thoughts and prayers of everyone at the association are with Terry Conroy and his family after it emerged yesterday that the former Irish international is critically ill in hospital following emergency surgery.

The 64-year-old Dubliner was capped 26 times for his country and was also a key player with the Stoke City side of the 1970s for whom he scored in their 1972 League Cup final victory over Chelsea .

He is in intensive care at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire after a suspected vascular aneurysm. His condition was described yesterday as critical but stable.

“Our thoughts are with Terry and his family at this time and we are all praying and hoping for the best in his recovery,” said Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes. “Terry is Mr Stoke City through and through, as well as being a player of legendary status at this club during the most successful period in our history.”

Conroy was appointed welfare officer with responsibility for young footballers in Britain by the FAI in November 2008 and he has also maintained his links with Stoke, working as a match-day host at the Britannia Stadium. Indeed, he was in the ground for Saturday’s 4-0 win against Newcastle United.