Irish football lost one of its greatest characters and most influential coaches this evening with the death of Noel O'Reilly.

The 60 year-old Dubliner, who was taken ill suddenly last weekend, was probably best known as a close associate of Brian Kerr,  having worked closely with the former Ireland manager during his time with St Patrick's Athletic, a variety of Irish youth sides and eventually the senior national team.

Within the game, however, he was also widely regarded as a key figure in the development of modern coaching techniques and structures here and he continued his work with the FAI in this regard right up until the weekend he became unwell.

O'Reilly first came to prominence through his work with Belvedere, the hugely successful club on Dublin's northside where he played a part in shaping the careers of many of the country's future playing stars as well as several of the League of Ireland brightest young managers.

Paying tribute to the O'Reilly this eveing, president of the FAI, David Blood, said: "Noel O'Reilly made a huge contribution to football at all levels, and in many different ways, during his life and will be sorely missed.

"He was involved in a hugely successful era for Irish under-age teams which produced many of the current members of the senior international squad.

"On behalf of the FAI, I would like to extend our sympathies to his partner Rose, brothers Shay and Kieran, sisters Monica and Deirdre, his extended family and many friends on what is a very sad loss."

- Emmet Malone