Eamonn McGuire was inducted into the Connacht Hall of Fame last year
Dundalk Rugby Club have paid tribute to former player and coach, Eamonn McGuire, who was buried in Haggardstown on Monday.
Eamonn, from the Dublin Road, died peacefully at his home on Saturday.
Formerly of Galway, he was well known in rugby circles as a former Irish international while locally he was hugely respected as the former chief fire officer at Dundalk Fire Station.
In a tribute to “a stalwart and a gentleman” Dundalk RFC said:
“The community of Dundalk RFC were greatly saddened to hear of the death of Eamonn McGuire, a former player, coach and mentor of many players over many years. Dundalk RFC were lucky to have the services of such a gifted player and coach who inspired all around him and engendered in them the same enthusiasm and love of the game that he had himself.
“Eamonn had accumulated 20 Connacht caps and 8 International caps in the 1960s when a broken leg brought a truly promising International career to an end. Work brought the Connacht man to Dundalk and Dundalk became his club. He got a Town’s Cup medal with Dundalk in 1970 in the Vinnie McGee-led team that beat Navan 8 – 3 in that year’s final.
“Eamonn was an excellent reader of the game and his observations from the sideline were always accurate. He was inducted into the Connacht Hall of Fame in 2012 in recognition of his Provincial and International career. He was one of nature’s true gentlemen and will be missed by the club rugby community here in Dundalk.
“Our condolences are expressed to Angela, Elizabeth, Niall and Jennifer on their sad loss.”
Eamonn is best remembered in an Irish jersey for playing a part in Ireland’s famous 18-5 win over England at Twickenham in 1964, the highlights of which can be viewed below:
