Tributes pour in following the death of Christy Kavanagh, 'the heart' of Johnstown Football Club

Johnstown FC has expressed its shock and sadness at the death on Saturday of club stalwart Christy Kavanagh, whom it described as "a force of nature that lit up every room".

Ballymun native Christy first became involved with the club in 2006 as a parent of a young son playing with the club before taking on the u-11s as a coach the following year.

A driving force in the Navan MDL-based club for two decades, Christy served at committee level and was the current Senior First Team manager. He was aged in 50's and married with four children.

In a statement the club said: "Everyone here at Johnstown FC is completely devastated by the passing of Christy Kavanagh. He really was the heart of our football club. We want to express our deepest condolences to Christy's beautiful family, his wife Pamela his sons, Dean, Sean Jack & Jamie.

"Christy was a force of nature and lit up every room he entered and even whole football pitches!. We all loved him dearly here at Johnstown FC, he was father figure to most of the lads that have come through our club in the last 15 years.

"He was a brilliant friend to so many in our community which he cared dearly about. He was an absolute gentleman, had a huge heart and time for everyone. Nobody was safe from his laser sharp wit and that's what made him so special. We are going to miss him so much, but he will forever be woven into the fabric of Johnstown Football club family and the wider Johnstown community.

Secretary with the North East Football League, Justin Burke described Christy as "a total football man and a gentleman."

"Having known him from my own playing days at Ballymun United, he was always a person that younger players looked up to and aspired to be. He had a way of bringing the best out of people and I'm sure the Johnstown football players, coaches and committee will miss his personality at the club, as will the North East Football League.

"Our immediate thoughts and prayers are with his wife Pamela, children Dean, Sean, Jack & Jaime, his wider family, friends and football club during this sad time."

As a mark of respect, clubs are being asked to observe a minute's applause in memory of Christy before this week's fixtures.

Johnstown-based Cllr Alan Lawes said: "RIP Christy Kavanagh the Johnstown Community have lost one of its own and its very best. Sympathy to your wife family and many friends."

Deputy Johnny Guirke added: "Very sad to hear this news Christy was lovely man and great community man Rest in peace Christy."

A statement from Christy's home club, Ballymun Utd FC said: "Deepest Condolences to all the Kavanagh family on the sudden passing of Kavo. Christy was one of the real characters of our club in the 90/00s. Rest in Peace Kavo."

Funeral arrangements will be released later.