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Sadness as former Coleraine defender dies in New Zealand

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The death has taken place of former Northern Ireland international defender, Terry McCavana.

The 94-year-old (pictured), whose clubs included Coleraine and Notts County, passed away in Auckland, New Zealand.

Born in Belfast in 1921, he won three full caps with Northern Ireland (1954-1955), five amateur caps (1948-1950) and represented the Irish League on six occasions between 1949-1955.

After playing as an amateur with Coleraine in the late 1940s, he was posted to Newton Aerodrome with the RAF.

Unable to continue his Irish League career, he secured his release from the Bannsiders to sign amateur forms with Notts County in August 1948.

A stuttering start at Meadow Lane saw him suffer a muscle strain on his reserve team debut and then break a leg.

He finally made his League debut in a 2-1 win over Leyton Orient in April 1949, and by the end of the season had made three appearances at right-back.

After his demobilisation, he returned to Coleraine where he was quickly recognised by the Irish League, playing against the Scottish League in September 1949.

During the 1950s he established himself at centre-half for Coleraine, the Irish League and the Northern Ireland Amateur side.

In November 1954 he was awarded his first full cap as stand-in centre-half for Jackie Blanchflower.

In total he won three caps, twice against Scotland and once against England.

Later, he would settle in New Zealand where he played an active role in attempting to establish football in the country through the 1960s and 1970s.

His funeral will take place in Manurewa, Auckland tomorrow.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen, sons Malachy and Brendan, and daughers Linda, Patricia and Sharon.


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