Tributes pour in for 'courageous' footballer who died just before 16th birthday

The football club, Knocklyon United, has honoured a young player who died shortly before his 16th birthday on Friday, January 30, after a period of illness.

Fionn Dooley, who lined out as a centre back for Knocklyon United, passed away peacefully at his home. He was remembered by the club as a player who "fought his battle with great courage and dignity".

Confirming the sad news, the club said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that our club is sharing the news that Fionn Dooley one of our own (U164A) passed away on Friday night. Fionn was a fighter and fought his battle with great courage and dignity, reports Dublin Live.

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"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, Linda, Chris, Oisín, Callum and Leah."

Fionn’s manager, Kenny Soper, also paid tribute to the teenager, saying: "Fionn was an outstanding centre back, a real team player, and stood up for everyone on our team."

He added: "He was passionate about football. Fionn will be deeply missed by all of his friends and teammates."

To mark his passing, a minute’s silence was observed at all Knocklyon United matches over the weekend. Tributes also poured in from other clubs offering condolences to Fionn’s family and teammates.

Newlands Castle Park FC said: "Our sincere condolences to all of Fionn's family, friends and all at Knocklyon United FC. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May Fionn Rest in Peace."

Another message read: "RIP young man, thoughts and prayers are with you all from everyone at St Francis FC."

His death notice on RIP.ie stated: "The death has occurred of Fionn Dooley, Rathfarnham, Dublin. Peacefully, at home, right before his 16th birthday.

"Fionn was a fighter and fought his battle with great courage and dignity. He will be deeply missed and remembered forever by his heartbroken mam Linda, dad Chris, brothers Oisín and Callum, sister Leah, grandparents Seán, Sheila, Marie and Dermot, aunts, uncles and cousins.

"Fionn brought so much fun and laughter to his friends lives and his cherished memories will remain in our hearts forever. May he Rest in Peace."

Fionn will repose at Peter Massey Funerals in The Ruah Centre, Ballyroan (D14 T0C8) from 3pm to 5pm today. His funeral Mass will take place in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Ballyroan, on Tuesday at 11.30am, followed by cremation in the Victorian Chapel at Mount Jerome Crematorium at 1.45pm.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Oscar's Kids Ireland in memory of Fionn Dooley.

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