Tom Farquharson

Thomas Gerard Farquharson (4 December 1899 – 24 December 1970) was an Irish professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Born in Dublin, he played youth football for local sides. In his teens, he became a member of the Irish Republican Army and was arrested by the British Army for removing wanted posters and held in Mountjoy Prison. He was released on the basis that he would leave Ireland, instead settling in South Wales. He played football for Oakdale and Abertillery Town before being spotted by Football League side Cardiff City in 1922. He made his professional debut in May of the same year. He helped the side finish as runners-up in the First Division during the 1923–24 season and reach the FA Cup final in 1925 FA Cup Final. In 1927, he was a member of the Cardiff City team that became the only non-English team to win the FA Cup. He remained with the club until 1935, winning the Welsh Cup on four occasions and the FA Charity Shield once. He played in 445 Football League matches for Cardiff, which remained a club record until 1985. A dual internationalist, he also played for both Ireland teams – the Irish Free State national football team and the Ireland national football team (IFA). After making his debut for the IFA side in 1923, he went on to win seven caps. In 1931, he caused controversy by rejecting a call up to instead play for the Irish Free State side. He won a further four caps for the Free State, winning his last in 1931.