LISTEN: NI and Manchester United legend and "Hero of Munich" Harry Gregg dies

by Q Radio News

Legendary former Manchester United and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Harry Gregg has passed away at the age of 87.

He was often referred to as the "Hero of Munich" after surviving the Munich air disaster in 1958 and helping to pull others from the wreckage. 

He returned twice to the burning fuselage and rescued United team-mates Bobby Charlton and Dennis Viollet from the BEA Flight 609, as well as a 20-month-old baby and her badly injured, pregnant mother.

23 people were killed in the atrocity, including eight of his teammates.

Former Manchester United and NI goalkeeper Harry Gregg hailed as a hero of the 1958 Munich air disaster has died at the age of 87. In 2018 he told Q Radio 'he had his day', insisting he 'didn't live in the past or the future.'We hear the archived audio on news throughout the am. pic.twitter.com/VULoUhWItF

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 17, 2020

Gregg was part of United's 'Busby Babes' and joined the side from Doncaster in 1957 for £23,000, which at the time was a world-record fee for a goalkeeper, and ended up making 247 appearances for the club.

He also won 25 caps for Northern Ireland, playing at the 1958 World Cup - where he was named goalkeeper of the tournament.

The Harry Gregg Foundation, the legend's charitable organisation, tweeted early this morning to confirm the legend's death. 

It is with great sorrow that we inform of the death of Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, OBE,
Harry passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his loving

Never to be forgotten!

info@harrygregg.com.

https://t.co/6c83cI7YY8

— HarryGreggFoundation (@HarryGreggF) February 17, 2020

The foundation confirmed Mr Gregg died in hospital peacefully surrounded by family.

"The Gregg family would like to thank the medical staff at Causeway Hospital for their wonderful dedication to Harry over his last few weeks.

"To everyone who has called, visited or sent well wishes we thank you for the love and respect shown to Harry and the family.

"Details of his funeral arrangement will be issued in the next few days.

"We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this difficult time."

Meanwhile, Q Radio spoke to the legend back in 2018. 

When asked about the success of his life and achievements, Gregg said it was up to others to make their minds about it.

Q Radio met Harry Gregg again in June 2018, after he met Prince Charles during a visit to Coleraine. 

The former football star told the Prince he had met him before when he was given an MBE. 

.@NorthernIreland & @ManUtd legend Harry Gregg meets Prince Charles @UlsterUni tells him “we’ve met before, you gave me an MBE - but this is not about me, it’s about @HarryGreggF ...” pic.twitter.com/sCBwxS6j5V

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 12, 2018

Meanwhile, his former clubs Manchester United and Northern Ireland paid tribute to Harry Gregg.

It is with deepest sadness that we have learned of the passing of former player Harry Gregg OBE. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club go out to Harry’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/5kjlpn5Wqm

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 17, 2020

💚 A legend of the game and a brave, selfless giant of a man. RIP, Harry Gregg #GAWA pic.twitter.com/uAfy2OcnYc

— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) February 17, 2020