Irish Catalan Patrick O'Connell - Barcelona Saviour -

It is a little-known fact that the Barcelona Football Club that we know, and many people love, would not exist if it were not for the actions of controversial Irish man Patrick O'Connell back in the mid-1930's. The club was fighting for its' very existence due to fascist aggression during the Spanish Civil War. Because the Catalan club was so closely associated with Republican causes Barcelona came under enormous pressure and almost folded.

To get some respite from the civil unrest and the pressure from Franco's forces Barcelona undertook a tour of the US and Mexico. Irishman Patrick O'Connell, who was the manager of Barcelona at the time, led this American odyssey netting $15,000 for the club in the process. This money was later used to revive the fortunes of the great football club. Barcelona's hall of fame at the Nou Camp contains a bust of Patrick O'Connell in commemoration of his roll in helping the cub to make it through the Spanish Civil War.

- See more at: http://www.soccer-ireland.com/footbal-miscellany/patrick-o-connell.htm#sthash.Ow6alY7l.dpuf.... P.S PADDY also captain man u,  well worth a look for this little know irish man.