1. Valentine Harris, commonly referred to as Val Harris, was an Irish footballer who played Gaelic football for the Dublin county team and soccer for, among others Shelbourne, Everton and Ireland.
12 Facts About Val Harris
1. 2.
Val Harris has been described as an extremely hard player in the mode of Kevin Moran or Paul McGrath and like his Shelbourne, Everton and Ireland teammate, Bill Lacey, he was very versatile, covering just about every outfield position during his career.
3.
Val Harris initially played soccer with junior clubs Pembroke and Emeralds and in 1898 helped Pembroke reach the final of the Leinster Junior Cup.
4.
Val Harris was an accomplished Gaelic footballer during his teens, initially joining Terenure Sarsfields before joining, and winning honours at club level with Ringsend GAA team Isles of the Sea.
5.
Val Harris is one of several prominent Dublin Gaelic footballers who successfully switched codes to soccer; others have included Jack Kirwan, Con Martin, Joseph Ledwidge and Kevin Moran.
6.
In 1903 Val Harris made his debut for Shelbourne in the Leinster Senior League.
7.
Val Harris stated that as well as offers from West Bromwich Albion, he has received approaches from Blackburn Rovers, Bury FC and Partick Thistle.
8.
Val Harris made his debut for Everton against Woolwich Arsenal and quickly established himself as the team's regular right-half.
9.
Val Harris made 190 Football League appearances and scored one goal; he played a further 14 games and scored a further goal in the FA Cup.
10.
Val Harris remained a prominent member of the Shelbourne team well passed his fortieth birthday and his second spell at the club saw him play alongside Bill Lacey, Bob Fullam, Ed Brookes and Louis Bookman.
11.
Val Harris was the first Shelbourne player to be capped by Ireland and subsequently won a further six caps while at the club.
12.
In 1932 Val Harris took charge of the Irish team as they played the Netherlands.