Some incredibly sad news began to emerge last night that former Irish international Liam Miller was gravely ill, fighting cancer.
Pat Malone, the chairman of Eire Og GAA club in Ovens in Cork where Miller is from, spoke to the The Star last night, and confirmed the reports.
The family were all at the parents' home in Ovens over the past couple of days,
It’s very sad. I understand that he is very seriously ill and had been for a number of weeks.
His wife is by his side and I understand they hope to bring him back home here.
The football world has been quick to offer well wishes to the 36 year old.
His former Hibs teammate Tam McManus tweeted that Miller had been receiving treatment in the US, where he last played, but will be returning home today to begin chemotherapy.
Very sad news about one of my old teammates Liam Miller, thinking of him and his family at this very difficult time. 🙏🏻
— Ian Harte (@ianharte23) November 12, 2017
My thoughts are with Liam miller and his family this morning. Hope he can get through this difficult time of his life.
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) November 13, 2017
All thoughts and prayers go out to my old teammate Liam Miller tonight
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) November 13, 2017
Such sad news about my old Room mate Liam Miller, Pray to God he pulls through this battle with Cancer, my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. ❤️❤️❤️
— Noel Hunt 🌐 (@Noelhunt20) November 12, 2017
Sad to hear that my old team mate Liam Miller is battling cancer, my thoughts are with him and his family and I hope he can beat this and pull through.
— Alex Bruce (@AlexBruce84) November 12, 2017
Praying for Liam Miller tonight, who is battling for his life. The 36 year old is from the same area as myself. The community is in shock. I will never forget his winner for Leeds against Southampton in 2005 having been down 3-0. Keep fighting Miller 💪💪 pic.twitter.com/bGblBj8bjl
— Barry O'Mahony (@barryomahony_9) November 12, 2017
Miller first came to prominence breaking through to Martin O'Neill Celtic team before joining Manchester United on a Bosman in 2004. After a tough few years at Old Trafford, he would eventually join Roy Keane's Irish revolution at Sunderland. Before that, a successful loan spell at Leeds almost brought promotion back to the Premier League for the club.
Later in his career, Miller would spend some years in Australia's A-League, before returning home to play with Cork City in 2015 before heading abroad again, joining the Wilmington Hammerheads in North Carolina.
For Ireland, Miller earned 21 senior caps under Brian Kerr, Steve Staunton and Giovanni Trappatoni. He scored once, in a friendly win against Sweden in 2006, and what a goal it was.
Not going to speculate, just extend support. And no better way than to remind us of his class with one of the best individual goals ever scored in green #LiamMiller #COYBIG ? pic.twitter.com/JfFlexDuPg
— TheOpelJersey (@TheOpelJersey) November 13, 2017
We wish him nothing but the best in his fight ahead, and hope for a speedy recovery.
