Barcelona, Betis boss Patrick O'Connell honoured at La Liga match

Ahead of Wednesday's La Liga tilt between Barcelona and Real Betis at Camp Nou, Patrick O'Connell, the man who managed both sides, was honoured for his efforts to save the Catalan side from near-collapse in the 1930's.

A decorated career that ended in destitution saw O'Connell become the first Irishmen to play for Manchester United among other distinctions before sandwiching six years managing Barca with two spells at the helm of Betis.

O'Connell's tenure with the Blaugrana might be the highlight of a noteworthy career.

The Spanish Civil War halted the 1936-37 Spanish top-flight season, and the Catalan side were faced with a dilemma: it was heavily in debt and in light of the hiatus, had no means of generating income.

(Courtesy: fcbarcelona.com)

O'Connell remedied the problem by accepting an offer from local businessman Manuel Mas Serrano to take his side on a lucrative tour of Mexico and the United States.

The tour generated enough money that the club were able to stave off potential catastrophe and clear its debts.

Barcelona honoured the memory of O'Connell Wednesday in the Presidential Josep Sunol Box at the Camp Nou, presenting family members with a painting of the Westmeath-born legend while making a commitment to continue contributions to the Patrick O'Connell Foundation.