Ex-Saddlers star remains critical

Aug 29 2007 By Steve Johnson, Birmingham Mail

A FORMER Walsall FC footballer is still fighting for his life almost a fortnight after being attacked outside a pub, it was revealed today.

Former Republic of Ireland winger Miah Dennehy was attacked near the Fob and Gill pub in Mayfield, in his native Cork, on August 17.

Today Miah, a popular player at the old Fellows Park in the mid-70s, was "critical but stable" in Cork University Hospital.

Miah, who was capped 11 times by the Republic of Ireland and starred for Cork Hibs, Nottingham Forest and Bristol Rovers as well as Walsall, was discovered unconscious in a pool of blood in a car park outside the Fob and Gill.

The pub owner, Trevor Hennessy, said Miah was a popular and respected regular.

"There is a lot of sympathy for Miah. He's a character who drank in the bar, a very popular guy."

The publican admitted that patrons and locals were shocked by the savage attack.

"The people who drink here know what happaned and there is CCTV footage to prove it. It won't stop the regulars from coming.

"Miah's well-being is our main priority now," he added.

Police have interviewed a man in his 50s from the area in connection with the assault.

Mr Dennehy is separated and has two children. He moved to Walsall from Nottingham Forest in 1975, having been brought to English football by Brian Clough in 1972.

He left Walsall in 1978 and went onto Bristol Rovers.