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FAI leads tributes to Leo Dunne
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OBITUARY
FAI leads tributes to Leo Dunne
November 24, 2009
The Football Association of Ireland has led the tributes to the late former Waterford News & Star journalist Leo Dunne.
Mr Dunne was a respected figure in football administration and media circles, having worked for the News & Star for 55 years until his retirement two years ago.
He was also a founding member of the local Bohemians Football Club, which was formed in 1941 alongside Paddy Kennedy, Christy O’Regan and Willie O’Mahony.
Bohemians were forced to wear the playing gear of nearby Waterpark Rugby Club for its first game – and the red and black colours of Waterpark remain the Bohemians colours to this day.
Waterford Bohemians remains a powerful football nursery and three former players of the club were part of the Republic of Ireland squad for last week’s World Cup play-off: Manchester United star John O’Shea and non-playing substitutes Eddie Nolan of Preston and Bohemians goalkeeper Brian Murphy.
The trio are among 63 former Waterford Bohemians players to have represented their country at international level over the past 68 years.
In addition to his role with Waterford Bohemians, Mr Dunne also served the Waterford & District League, the FAI Junior Council and the League of Ireland management committee.
As a columnist and reporter with the Waterford News & Star, he revelled in the successes of Waterford on the League of Ireland scene, with six titles annexed in eight seasons in the 1960s and ‘70s, while the club met great Celtic and Manchester United sides in European competition at various stages.
Leo’s overall contribution to football and, especially, his significant work for football at all levels in Waterford were recognised by the League of Ireland when he was inducted into the League of Ireland Hall of Fame with a media award in 1998.
Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney, himself a native of Waterford, said: “I am deeply saddened at the sudden loss of one of Irish football’s greatest servants. There is no doubt that his passing has left many mourning in many walks of life and I extend my deepest sympathy to all of the Dunne family.
“Leo was one the game’s finest gentlemen and his contribution to Irish football throughout the years as a key administrator and journalist is immeasurable.”
Leo Dunne is survived by sons Liam and Paul, daughters Catherine, Liz and Miriam and extended family.
Funeral details are as follows: Removal will take place today (Tuesday) from Waterford Regional Hospital to St. John’s Church, Parnell Street, Waterford at 6.30pm. Requiem mass will take place in St. John’s Church at 12pm on Wednesday with burial at the nearby St. Otteran’s Cemetery.
Go ndeanaidh Dia Trocaire ar a anam dhilis.
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