Francis O'Hara (31 August 1883 – 12 July 1915) was a Scottish footballer who played as a centre forward.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 31 August 1883 | ||
| Place of birth | Coatbridge, Scotland | ||
| Date of death | 12 July 1915 (aged 31) | ||
| Place of death | Gallipoli, Çanakkale, Turkey | ||
| Position(s) | Centre forward | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| Strathclyde | |||
| Albion Rovers | |||
| 1905–1906 | Chelsea | 1 | (0) |
| Albion Rovers | |||
| Wigan Town | |||
| Birmingham City | |||
| Pendlebury | |||
| Royal Albert | |||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Club career
editO'Hara began his footballing career in his native Scotland with both Strathclyde and Albion Rovers before a move to English side Chelsea in August 1905.[1] He played for one season with Chelsea, playing once in the league, and twice in the FA Cup, where he scored three goals.[1] He returned to Albion Rovers in the summer of 1906, before going on to play for Wigan Town, Birmingham City, Pendlebury and Royal Albert.[1]
Military career
editO'Hara signed up for the army in December 1899, lying about his age and joining the Highland Light Infantry.[1][2] He served in South Africa and Egypt, serving until late 1904, but remaining a reservist until 1913.[1] At the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, O'Hara reenlisted in the Highland Light Infantry, and was killed in action only a year later, on 12 July 1915, in the Gallipoli Campaign.[1]
He was commemorated in Chelsea's Roll of Honour on Armistice Day 2021.[2]
Personal life
editO'Hara assaulted a police officer in Fulham on 24 April 1906, and after failing to appear at a summons, he was arrested in his hometown of Coatbridge, Scotland, and brought back to London on 29 September 1906. He was quoted as saying "I am very sorry, but I am glad the bottle did not hit you", and was ordered to pay 10 shillings or spend one day in prison.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g Rowley, Andrew (17 September 2021). "Francis 'Frank' O'Hara – 31st August 1883 to 12th July 1915". wlv.ac.uk. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ^ a b Banks, Ben (1 November 2021). "Chelsea to bestow Armistice Day honour on former Albion Rovers ace". dailyrecord.co.uk. Retrieved 15 February 2023.