Crusaders Football Club are extremely saddened to hear of the death of Danny Hale who passed away earlier today (5th Feb 2025) Danny reached legendary status on the Shore Road with his performances in Red and Black and with broke records for his goals that still stand today. While most of us never got the chance to watch Danny play for Crusaders the stories that have been handed down over the years gives us an insight into just how good the man was on the pitch. He was an amazing character on and off the field and such was his stature in the game Crusaders named underneath the Main Stand after refurbishment in his honour. Danny Hale also played at Cliftonville, Glentoran, Dundalk (where he won the League of Ireland title) and Derry City (where he also topped the 100 goal mark), as well as Sligo Rovers and briefly at Ards.
Club Chair Mark Langhammer commented on the sad passing saying "Danny held legendary status at Seaview. In his four seasons at Crusaders, 1962-66, he netted 143 goals, including an incredible 55 in the 1965-66 season. This remains a season-record at our club and is bettered in the League only by Sammy Pavis of Linfield FC. Whilst at Seaview he won Amateur international caps and lifted the Ulster Cup in 1964 and County Antrim Shield in 1965. Danny’s two brothers had spells at the club, as had his two grandsons – so the family connection is strong. Across his 13 seasons in senior football, Danny notched over 300 goals – a stunning achievement.
I met Danny many times over the years. He had a good sense of humour, a chirpy disposition, and a great bank of stories and memory of his exploits and goals. His description of training at Seaview under manager Sammy McCrory was hilarious…and unrepeatable!! Danny was honoured by Crusaders in more recent times by naming the North Stand’s education area as the Danny Hale Suite, initially to host the “Mes Que un Club” cross-community PEACE programme run by our current General Manager, Bernard Thompson.
Danny had been a regular visitor to Seaview in the past but we knew he had been unwell for some time. He was a popular figure across North Belfast and stayed close to the local game, notably as President of our near neighbours Newington YC in their Amateur League years. Our sincere and deep condolences go the Hale family circle. Forever remembered. Rest in Peace."
RIP Danny