Clarets legend McIlroy inducted into hall of fame

Jimmy Mac, as he is affectionately known by Burnley fans, was joined by family members and representatives of the Burnley FC Former Players’ Association at the glittering occasion which was attended by the great and the good of British football.

Tributes were paid to the Clarets great by a host of stars including Sir Bobby Charlton.

He was inducted along with Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, Liverpool and Manchester United star Michael Owen, former England captain Alan Shearer, Birmingham City striker Trevor Francis, Chelsea and Manchester United star Ray Wilkins, Matt Dimbylow (Captain of the England Cerebral Palsy team), women’s football pioneer Sylvia Gore MBE, and Scotland, Newcastle and Chelsea goalscoring phenomenon of the 1920s and 30s Hughie Gallacher.

Jimmy Mac said he was delighted with the honour: “I am thrilled to be chosen by the illustrious selection panel. It is truly an honour to be joining the Hall of Fame.”

Signed from Glentoran of Belfast in 1950, Jimmy McIlroy is one of Burnley’s greatest ever players. The scheming midfielder was the brains behind the Clarets’ side which won the First Division title in 1960 and were runners-up to Spurs in the 1962 FA Cup final.