Former Ireland international Jack McDonagh dies aged 64

Former Ireland international centre half Jack 'Jacko' McDonagh has passed away at the age of 64, his former club Shamrock Rovers announced on Monday.

McDonagh represented Ireland at senior level three times for the Republic of Ireland under the managership of Eoin Hand across 1983 and 1984, having had a stellar career domestically and a brief stint in France and Belgium.

Hailing from Donnybrook originally, McDonagh started his career with the Shelbourne youths before making the switch to Bohemians. During this spell, he won the PFAI Young Player of the Year for the 1981-82 season.

He played 60 times across three seasons with the Gypsies before making the switch south to Rovers.

McDonagh played on the four-in-a-row team in 1983/84 and 1984/85, the latter season having won the league and FAI Cup double.

Also in 1983, he would make his Ireland debut under Hand, as they defeated Malta 8-0 in Dalymount Park.

At the end of the 1984/85 season he departed to join French side Nimes Olympique and later on also played for Derry City and Belgian side KSV Waregem.

The FAI paid tribute to McDonagh, saying they were deeply saddened by his death.

They added: "He was a popular figure in Irish football who enjoyed success in the League of Ireland, he will be greatly missed."

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