Macken was a right back or midfielder who played for Home Farm, Glentoran (1968–1972) and Waterford United F.C.
After a spell on loan at Portsmouth, Macken finally made his league debut on Saturday, 27 December 1975 in a 2–0 win at home to Aston Villa.
In all competitions, he made thirty-seven appearances for the Rams, including eight as a substitute before moving to play in America in 1977.
And was assistant manager to Ray Treacy when Shamrock Rovers won the League Championship in 1993/94.
He won his single Republic of Ireland cap – a 1–0 defeat at home to Spain on 9 February 1977.