Eunan ‘Busty’ Blake who has passed away following an illness
TRIBUTES have been pouring in following the death of Derry City soccer legend Eunan ‘Busty’ Blake.
Mr Blake passed away peacefully yesterday following an illness.
He played, coached and managed at League of Ireland level.
He was an IFA Cup winner with Derry City over 50 years ago when he was part of the famous Derry City side which won the 1964 Irish Cup defeating Glentoran at Windsor Park.
He also played for Sligo Rovers and Finn Harps, while he managed both Athlone Town and Finn Harps.
Eunan was assistant manager at Athlone Town in 1975 when they drew 0-0 with AC Milan at St Mel’s Park in the UEFA Cup.
He had over 20 years in senior football and he won six inter-league caps for the League of Ireland team.
In one of those games, Eunan played on the Irish team that drew 0-0 with an English League select and a team that included internationals like Jimmy Armfield and Denis Violett, and in 2011 he was inducted into the Donegal Sports Star Awards’ Hall of Fame.
‘Busty’, as he was more affectionately known, served his native Letterkenny Rovers club in various roles during his lifetime including as a player, coach, manager, trustee and honorary life member.
Letterkenny Rovers Chairman Dessie Kelly led the tributes to the late Mr Blake.
“Busty was a dedicated football man who gave so much of his time to the club,” he said.
“He was hugely respected throughout the game having enjoyed a distinguished career as a senior footballer and manager.
“The club was always close to his heart and his loss will leave a huge void not just for his much loved family but for everyone who knew him. He will be sadly missed.”
In recent months, Eunan was predeceased by his brother Harry and his sister Eileen.
He is survived by his wife Katie, his daughters Brenda and Karen, sons Gary and Tony, brother Liam and sisters Rosie and Mary.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed.
Tags: