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RIP Trasser

Irish football has lost one of its favourite sons

“A great man and much loved by so many.”

TRIBUTES ARE POURING in for ex-Republic of Ireland international Ray Treacy, who died last night at the age of 68, following a short illness.

Ray Treacy 1996 © Billy SticklandINPHO © Billy SticklandINPHO

The popular former striker won 42 caps between 1966 and 1980, and he remains the last home-based player to find the net for Ireland, having scored two of his five international goals against Turkey in 1978 — while he was with Shamrock Rovers.

Treacy started his career with Home Farm, before moving to West Bromwich Albion in 1964 to begin a 13-year spell in English football. He also lined out for Charlton Athletic, Swindon Town, Preston North End and Oldham Athletic.

West Brom paid their respects to the Dubliner this morning: “A brave, sprightly inside-forward, his lack of stature at 5ft 9ins did not stop him offering a useful aerial threat too.”

Treacy returned to Ireland in 1977 to join Shamrock Rovers and scored the winning penalty in their 1-0 FAI Cup final victory over Sligo Rovers in 1978.

He joined Drogheda United for two seasons as player-manager in 1980, and after another short managerial stint at Home Farm, he took the reins at Shamrock Rovers in 1992. Treacy guided the Hoops to the 1993-94 Premier Division title.

Ray Treacy Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

A statement released by Shamrock Rovers said: “All at Shamrock Rovers are deeply saddened at the news of Ray Treacy’s passing late last night after a brief illness. Ray will be remembered with great fondness and respect for what he achieved in football for his club and country.

“Ray played under John Giles at Milltown in 1977. Ray became Shamrock Rovers manager in the RDS days from 1992 and won the League in 1993/94 season. He will be sorely missed by all involved at the club. Our deepest condolences go to the Treacy family at this time.”

Following his departure from Rovers in 1996, Treacy focused on his business interests. He had set up his own travel agency in 1978, which organised many away trips for the FAI and Irish soccer supporters. He retired from the business in 2009.

 

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