Christmas songs: David Healy, Eric Cantona, Frank Lampard and the greatest festive football chants
Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer David Healy holds a special place in the country’s hearts, so it’s fitting that he becomes synonymous with the famous festive football anthem.
In the mid-2000s, Northern Ireland fans began adapting the Christmas carol “Away in a Manger” to serenade their talismanic striker, replacing the last two words of the opening verse, “he lies”, with Healy’s surname.
“In the manger / The crib without a bed / Little Lord Jesus / Laying down his lovely head / The stars in the bright sky / Looking down at Healy! Healy! Healy! Healy!“
Killili player Healy scored 36 goals in 95 games for his country, including some of his most memorable goals winner vs england Scored a goal at Windsor Park in 2005 – Northern Ireland’s first win over their neighbors since 1972 hat trick Defeated Spain 3-2 in 2006.
He also scored a record 13 goals in 12 games during the Euro 2008 qualifiers, a feat Received special award From then-UEFA president Michel Platini.
Gary McAllister, co-chairman of the Northern Ireland Official Supporters Club, told BBC Sport that Healy “gave us all confidence that no matter who we played we actually had a chance of getting a result”.
He believes the 45-year-old “could easily break into Northern Ireland’s Greatest XI”, playing alongside the likes of George Best and Pat Jennings.
McAllister said Healy’s chant was started by fans at a time when his own organization, the Football Association of Ireland and fans were working to eliminate sectarian chants and introduce a new song list.
“I just remember it being really popular,” he said. “I think that’s very smart.”
His favorite memory of hearing the song was the day after that famous victory over England in 2005.
“The next day Colin Murray sang the song on Radio 1 and then played the commentary of the goal,” McAllister said.
