After a long running battle with illness, former Irish international Tony Grealish has passed away today.
By Adrian Collins
Tony Grealish, who played for the Republic of Ireland in the 1970s and 1980s, has passed away today after a battle with cancer, aged 56.
He made his debut for Ireland under the managerial stint of Johnny Giles in 1976 in a game against Norway, and went on to make 45 appearances in the green shirt, as well as captaining the side when Eoin Hand was manager.
Although he was born in London, Grealish’s parents were Irish which made him eligible for the Republic. His club career spanned a huge amount of time, from 1974 to 1993, with Grealish making over 100 appearances for both Leyton Orient and Brighton & Hove Albion along the way, leading the latter team out at the FA Cup final in Wembley in 1983, surely one of his career highlights.
He also played for West Bromwich Albion and Manchester City in his career, and despite getting his debut for Ireland at full-back and having to compete in a midfield that contained the well-renowned abilities of Liam Brady and Giles, he won his place in the middle and played for his country with a passion and dedication that will not be forgotten.
Paddy McCaul, the new President of the FAI, said: “It is with great sadness that we heard of Tony Grealish’s passing after battling illness so bravely. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. He will be remembered as a great servant of Irish football… and helped change Ireland’s fortunes at that level of the game.”
Here’s a quick clip of Tony Grealish doing what he does best, as he sets up a well worked goal in Ireland’s historic 2-1 win against Holland in 1980.
There will be a tribute arranged for Grealish before the next friendly game against Georgia in June.
He’ll be sadly missed.
