From Busby to Brazil... sculpture set to honour football legend
A new sculpture is set to honour the contribution of Thomas Donohoe, originally from Busby, East Renfrewshire, credited with first introducing football to Brazil in 1894.
Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 10 June 2021 13:08
Commissioned by East Renfrewshire Council, supported by Busby Community Council and funded from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund, it is hoped that the sculpture will attract visitors to the village, as well as adding to the cultural and sporting links between Scotland and Brazil.
Thomas married his wife, Eliza, in 1890, by which time he was a well-established print worker alongside his father, Patrick, who was a block printer in the local cotton mills. Most of his siblings also worked in the mills. Following a decline in the fortunes of the industry in Scotland, Thomas immigrated to Brazil to work in the developing cotton industry there. He arrived in Bangu, which is now on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, in 1894.
There has been quite a bit of family research done on Donohoe through the national archives of Scotland by one of his living ancestors, Jim McGuire. One of seven children, he lived in a number of addresses in Busby, most notably Riverside Terrace. He played football in the Scottish local leagues alongside and against several players who went on to be professionals and influential individuals in Scottish football.
The first football match in Brazil was organised by Donohoe and took place in August 1894. From that moment Thomas began to organise football matches at the Bangu Mill where he worked and to form local competitions with other migrant groups and workplaces. From these humble beginnings the game went on to become the premier sport of Brazil with Donohoe playing a key role.
Today, football has become an essential part of Brazilian culture and the local Bangu football team, Bangu Atlético, take great pride in the contribution their Thomas Donohoe made to Brazilian football all those years ago. So much so that they commissioned a five metre statue of him which was unveiled to mark the 2014 World Cup, the final of which was hosted in Rio De Janeiro.
Artist Kate Robinson, will design and create the new sculpture to be placed in Busby. She said: “The international aspect of Thomas Donohue's story was one of the things that inspired me - the connections between people in Scotland and Brazil. I am creating the bust of Thomas in clay and then the model is cast in carbon fibre. Modelling in clay is like telling a story in three dimensions.”
Council Leader Tony Buchanan said: “Already honoured with a sculpture in Brazil, I think it is fitting that we pay tribute to football legend Thomas Donohoe, in his home town of Busby. I look forward to seeing the finished sculpture and would encourage people to visit Busby and discover the great range of local businesses on offer.”
It is expected that the finished sculpture will be unveiled at the end of August.
Sponsored Links
Latest East Renfrewshire News
Pavement parking enforcement to be introduced in East Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire Council is set to begin enforcement of the pavement parking ban from Monday 5th January 2026.
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands
One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!
READ MORE
Barrhead Belters spread Christmas cheer across East Renfrewshire
The Barrhead Belters, a choir formed through East Ren Health and Social Care Partnership Community Pathways service, are bringing festive spirit to care homes and community events this Christmas!
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas
Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire and Ayrshire and Arran Lieutenancies host Together at Christmas Community Carol Service
This year, Renfrewshire along with Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Ayrshire will join communities across the UK in hosting a 'Together at Christmas' Community Carol Service in Paisley Abbey.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
Newton Mearns resident crowned as Citizen of the Year 2025
A volunteer who makes an outstanding contribution to diversity and inclusion in East Renfrewshire has been awarded the Provost Award to celebrate her community leadership.
READ MORE
Greenbank Garden nears completion of major daffodil restoration project
Trust staff and volunteers have planted over 70,000 daffodil bulbs at the historic Greenbank Garden as part of the Donate a Daffodil appeal.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December
Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
Enjoy East Ren announces Winterfest programme
Enjoy East Ren has announced its Winterfest programme, packed full of Christmas cheer, with festive events for all the family.
READ MORE
Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
East Renfrewshire to introduce 20mph speed limits to improve road safety
East Renfrewshire Council is set to reduce the speed limit on more than 1,100 residential streets and school zones to 20mph in an effort to make roads in the local authority safer for everyone.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Authors celebrate Book Week Scotland 2025 at East Renfrewshire Libraries
Libraries across East Renfrewshire celebrated Book Week Scotland (17-23 November 2025) with a series of author events and workshops.
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
Salmon return to Levern Water in Barrhead after 170 years
Salmon have returned to the Levern Water in Barrhead for the first time in 170 years, thanks to an award-winning river restoration project by East Ren Council and SEPA.
READ MORE
The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January
January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links