IRISHMAN’S SUCCESS IN GERMANY

The Nationalist 16 July 1966
Irishman’s success in Germany

An Athgarvan, Co. Kildare, man is making quite a name for himself in soccer circles among the American forces in west Germany. He is 21 year-old Mr. Michael Byrne, who was drafted into the American army in 1963 and is now serving in West Germany. A local newspaper says, “Its probably just luck – the luck of the Irish.”
“This is the way Irish Mike Byrne, from the 24th Division Lion soccer team explains his sudden emergence as one of the most feared scorers in the German Class A Reserve League, which provided the Taromen with much of their competition.”
And his coach describes Mike as “just one of those guys who always happens to be in the right place at the right time.” So successful has he been in the Forces that he says his principal aim on going back to the U.S. is to attend Notre Dame University – on a soccer scholarship.
Mr. Byrne is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Byrne, Athgarvan, Newbridge. When in Ireland, he was also a successful Gaelic footballer.

An article from the Nationalist of 15 July 1966 on Michael Byrne’s soccer success in West Germany