Athlone Town bid farewell to League of Ireland top scorer Eugene Davis at St Mel's Park.
In 1974, Eugene Davis left League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers for Athlone Town AFC. During the 1980/81 season, he scored 23 goals as Athlone Town lifted their first title under Turlough O'Connor.
From an early age, Eugene Davis loved football. While a Shamrock Rovers player, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace showed interest in signing him.
Eugene Davis thinks the standard of football in the League of Ireland is the best it has ever been and there are many talented players. Football in Britain is a full-time occupation with daily training and ball skills players are better developed.
Obviously, it is a lot better than here, but I wouldn't say it's too far ahead.
A player in the League of Ireland earns from £25 - £40 per week, with expenses, plus additional pounds for a win or goals scored. Like most League of Ireland players, Eugene Davis has a day job. He is a pork butcher at Hicks of Dún Laoghaire.
Athlone Town chairman, Seamus O'Brien, considers Eugene Davis one of the club's best servants.
He's a very loyal player, a good servant to the club and a tremendous goal scorer in particular.
Hi nickname 'Pooch' is explained by the player's ability to poach a lot of goals. A great favourite with the crowds, as well as being a top goal scorer, Eugene Davis is a clean player never shown a yellow card.
He's a great example to kids, all the kids.
Since joining Athlone Town, Eugene Davis has played with them almost continuously. Now he is seeking a move to a Dublin club, as his children are growing up. In his testimonial game, Athlone Town Past versus Athlone Town Present, at St Mel's Park on 3 May 1981. The benefit game is a 5-5 draw, with Eugene Davis scoring a brace. He is delighted with the result.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 6 May 1981. The reporter is Peter McNiff.
