Kevin Moran provides one of the most remarkable stories in Irish sport.
A star of the Dublin Gaelic football team of the mid-1970’s, he switched code to play at the highest level in another sport – soccer.
A glittering 10 year career at Manchester United followed and Kevin starred for Ireland at the World Cup and European Championships.
His switch to Manchester United came out of the blue. He was 21, had qualified as an accountant, and was one of the stars of the Dublin team that won back-to-back All-Irelands in 1976 and 1977.
He went on trial to Manchester United simply out of curiosity. When they offered him a contract he surprised everyone at Old Trafford by asking for a few weeks to think about it. They weren’t used to that!
But perhaps the most remarkable part of his story is how he continued to play for Dublin while at Manchester United. There was no social media at the time, and United had no idea of Kevin’s continuing GAA exploits.
His courageous style at centre back made him a firm favourite of the United supporters. Twice a winner of the FA Cup, he made unwanted history in 1985, when he became the first player to be sent off in a final, in the 100 year history of the competition.
In the meantime, he became a fixture in the Irish national team – representing his country over 14 years.
He played a starring role for Ireland under Jack Charlton in the glorious days of Euro ’88 and Italia ’90.
“Codebreaker” brings the glory days alive again – packed with great archive and wonderful memories from his teammates.
Tony Hanahoe, Sean Doherty and Jimmy Keaveney recall Dublin’s great rivalry with Kerry in the 1970’s, Kevin’s famous attacking runs from centre back, and his shock decision to go to Manchester United.
Kevin is joined by his close friends and former Manchester United colleagues Bryan Robson, Norman Whiteside and Paul McGrath, to recall his Old Trafford career, the famous sending off and the decision by Sir Alex Ferguson to release him before Kevin went on to star in Spain with Sporting Gijon, before returning to captain Blackburn Rovers to win the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Packie Bonner describes Kevin’s importance in the Irish team that reached the last 8 at the 1990 World Cup.
“Codebreaker” also features former England international, Peter Reid, who was fouled by Kevin in the sending-off incident at Wembley, legendary Liverpool striker, Ian Rush, and the best goalkeeper of that generation – Neville Southall.
Musician, Gary “Mani” Mounfield of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream recalls the joy of going to the Stretford End as a young boy, when Kevin was his hero because of his bravery.
Most Irish youngsters dream of winning an All-Ireland, or playing for Manchester United, or playing for Ireland in the World Cup Finals.
“Codebreaker” tells the unique story of the man who lived all three dreams.
