Blatter mourns O'Reilly passing

Subject: Blatter mourns O'Reilly passing Sun Nov 09, 2008 7:00 pm

Irish football lost one of its biggest characters and most influential coaches on Friday when Noel O'Reilly passed away following a sudden, short illness. He was 60 years old.

"We will retain fond memories of an accomplished football leader and an extraordinary man whose great human qualities and passion ensured that he left an indelible mark on the game of football," said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.

O'Reilly made a significant contribution to the Republic of Ireland at all levels. He was the Football Association of Ireland's acting senior coach educator, and had previously been former
national team head coach Brian Kerr's right-hand man between 2003 and 2005.

As a mark of respect to O'Reilly, Republic of Ireland players could wear black armbands when they face Cyprus in a 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifier at Croke Park, Dublin on 15 October, when there will be a one-minute silence before kick-off.

O'Reilly was an assistant coach for various Republic of Ireland youth teams, including the one that finished third at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Malaysia 1997, where Damien Duff and Glenn Crowe came to the fore. A passionate an innovative figure, he also worked prominently with schoolboy club Belvedere in his native Dublin, and Irish top flight sides Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic.

"He was simply a great coach," continued Blatter. "He showed everybody that our sport at all levels helps players to develop personal skills, tactical abilities and individual dynamism, while at the same time strengthening team spirit."

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