FORMER CLUBS PAY TRIBUTE TO BRUNTON

ROBBIE BRUNTON’S death at the age of 47 is a second body-blow to Irish football inside five days following the loss of Michael Hayes. Brunton was an attacking left-back whose front-line career was one of near-misses in terms of trophies, although he bagged the Ulster Cup at Coleraine in 1997. The Dubliner gave committed service to Sligo Rovers, Bohemians, Dundalk and Derry City, Monaghan United,

Coleraine, Newry Town and Cliftonville. He was on the Sligo team which lost successive FAI Cup semifinals in 1995 and 1996, as well as the League Cup final of 1996. And he also missed out with Bohemians in the 2000 FAI Cup final, after a replay. There were many tributes to Brunton (right), who battled a long illness with tenacity.

The PFAI said: ‘So sad to hear this morning the passing of our former management committee member Robbie Brunton. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Celine and his family and friends. RIP Robbie.’ Sligo Rovers said: ‘Sligo Rovers are saddened by the death of former defender Robbie Brunton. He played 60 matches and scored three goals over two seasons with the Bit O’ Red and made a big impression at

The Showgrounds.’ Bohemians said: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Celine, and sons Ryan and Darragh, both of whom are Junior Gypsies and attended games with their father.’ Meanwhile, League of Ireland legend Jason Byrne has joined Cabinteely FC as coaching coordinator for the club’s 60-team under-age section. Byrne, second in the league alltime scorer’s list with 222 goals, ended his career at Cabinteely.