South Dublin football club leads tributes to boy who died after courageous health battle
A South Dublin football club has led tributes to a young player who died after a courageous health battle.Fionn Dooley passed away peacefully at home, right before his 16th birthday, on Friday (January 30). He played football for Knocklyon United, who paid tribute to their young centre back who "fought his battle with great courage and dignity".The club posted: "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."Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, Linda, Chris, Oisín, Callum and Leah." Kenny Soper, Fionn’s manager, paid tribute to Fionn, saying: "Fionn was an outstanding centre back, a real team player, and stood up for everyone on our team."He was passionate about football. Fionn will be deeply missed by all of his friends and teammates."A minute's silence was held at all of Knocklyon's matches this weekend in memory of Fionn. And other members of the football family also paid their respects to Fionn and his family.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 reply read: "RIP young man, thoughts and prayers are with you all from everyone at St Francis FC." His death notice on RIP.ie reads: "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 in Peter Massey Funerals at The Ruah Centre in Ballyroan (D14 T0C8) today from 3pm-5pm. 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, Mount Jerome Crematorium, at 1.45pm.Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Oscar's Kids Ireland in memory of Fionn Dooley.Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
