By David Gold
April 3 – Louis Kilcoyne, the former President of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and also a previous vice-president of the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI), has died at the age of 69 following a short illness.
Kilcoyne (pictured) was also an honorary life President of the FAI, as well as a long standing Council member of the organisation, representing Shamrock Rovers and Cork City.
He enjoyed success in the world of property and manufacturing, and bought Shamrock in the early 1970s, presiding over the sale of their Glenmalure stadium, leaving them without a ground they owned until 2009.
FAI President Paddy McCaul said on Monday: “I was very sad to learn of Louis’ passing today.
“He had a lifelong involvement in the game and rose to the position of FAI President in 1994.
“He was always very good company, knowledgeable and very supportive to me in my role.
“He’ll be sadly missed and I offer my sincere condolences to his family.”
FAI chief executive John Delaney added: “Louis was always involved in football from his earliest days at Breffni United through to national and international level.”
The FAI will honour Kilcoyne’s memory at an international friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in May, a key match for Ireland as they prepare for this summer’s European Championships.
Kilcoyne lead the FAI from 1994 to 1996, and was responsible for organising a remarkable match in 1973, when a Shamrock Rovers XI (pictured) made up of players from both Northern and the Republic of Ireland were beaten 4-3 by Brazil, the then world champions, in Dublin.
The Northern Irish Football Association (IFA) had opposed the game at a time of particular political instability between the two sides of the border, when the two football associations enjoyed a frosty relationship.
It has been claimed that Kilcoyne persuaded then Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) President João Havelange, who two years’ later became the head of FIFA, to play the friendly during a European tour.
Kilcoyne went on to represent the Olympic Movement on FIFA’s Youth Committee, as well as serving on their Disciplinary and Olympic Football Commissions.
As the international liaison director of the OCI, Kilcoyne was also a part of the management for several Irish Summer Olympic teams, from Barcelona in 1992 to Beijing four years’ ago.
The 1996 team which went to Atlanta was the most successful Irish Olympic squad in history, as swimmer Michelle Smith brought back three gold medals, a record for the country, although her performances was later tainted by allegations of drug use.
Kilcoyne’s funeral is due to take place tomorrow, the FAI have said on their website.
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