Michael Devine

Michael Devine or Mickey Devine may refer to:

Michael Devine (hunger striker)

Michael James "Mickey" Devine (26 May 1954–20 August 1981) was a Northern Irish founding member of the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA). He died in prison during the 1981 Irish hunger strike.

Background

Devine, also known as "Red Mickey" because of his red hair, was born into a family from the Springtown Camp, Derry, Northern Ireland.

In 1960, when Devine was six years of age, the Devine family including his grandmother, sister Margaret and parents Patrick and Elizabeth, moved to the then newly built Creggan estate to the north of Derry city centre.

Devine was educated to a primary level at Holy Child Primary School, Creggan, and at secondary level in St. Joseph's Secondary School, also in the Creggan.

Political activities

After British soldiers shot dead two unarmed civilians, Dessie Beattie and Raymond Cusack, Devine joined the James Connolly Republican Club in Derry in July 1971.Bloody Sunday had a deep impact on Devine. In the early 1970s, Devine joined the Labour Party and Young Socialists.

Michael Devine (footballer)

Michael Devine (born 19 March 1973 in Cobh) is a footballer.

Early career

Devine began playing football with Springfield FC in Cobh, County Cork, where he was capped at U15 and U16 levels, and thereafter signed for English team Middlesbrough. Devine spent four years at Ayresome Park learning his trade before he briefly moved on to Newcastle United and non-league Northallerton. He returned to Ireland to link up with Cobh Wanderers and subsequently joined League of Ireland First Division club Cobh Ramblers.

League of Ireland Premier Division

Devine made his Cobh debut in August 1993 as a substitute against Cork City in a League Cup tie. He joined League of Ireland Premier Division club Waterford United in 1998 and immediately impressed, later earning a then club record £30,000 transfer to Cork City. The transfer came as City and manager Derek Mountfield were in need of a keeper following a training ground injury to first choice 'keeper Noel Mooney, and Devine's form saw him retain the goalkeeper's jersey even after Mooney returned to full fitness. Noted for excellent shot stopping and spectacular saves, Devine became the "closed door" behind City's defence, eventually winning the League of Ireland championship in 2005 with many critics speculating on a senior Republic of Ireland call-up.