Tributes pour in after Dublin, St Vincent's and UCD GAA stalwart Dave Billings passes away

Updated 13.50

TRIBUTES HAVE POURED in this morning after the sudden passing last night of Dublin, St Vincent’s and UCD GAA stalwart Dave Billings.

Billings had a long association with Dublin GAA, serving as a selector of the senior football team in recent years under Tommy Lyons and Paul Caffrey.

He was also a former Dublin U21 football manager and played for the senior football team under Kevin Heffernan in the seventies.

Davy Billings spent his last evening watching St. Vincents v Ballyboden in Hurling in UCD. Something very right about that. A great man RIP
— Tomás Quinn (@mossyquinn) April 15, 2015

Tomás Quinn / Twitter

Very few had as much faith in me as a footballer as Dave Billings,he inspired so many in the simplest ways,a true blue,a great Gael #RIP
— Jason Sherlock (@boomjayo) April 15, 2015

Jason Sherlock / Twitter

Donall Farmer / INPHO Dave Billings and Paul Caffrey celebrate Dublin's 2008 Leinster semi-final win. Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Dave billings helped me so much in my early days with DSF team, he always seen the best in people. A Gent A friend and A True Dub.. RIP 💙
— Diarmuid Connolly (@dermoc123) April 15, 2015

Diarmuid Connolly / Twitter

Always had every1 best interest at heart,knew every player in every league down the country,& respected them all the same.True Gael #RIPDave
— Ciarán Kilkenny (@CKKilkenny93) April 15, 2015

Ciarán Kilkenny / Twitter

Bernard Brogan celebrates with Paul Caffrey and Dave Billings James Crombie Billings celebrates with Bernard Brogan and Paul Caffrey after Dublin's 2011 All-Ireland win. James Crombie

Billings was also well-known for his role as GAA officer in UCD, helping their Fitzgibbon and Sigerson Cup teams for many years.

UCD's GAA Executive Dave Billings passed away last night. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
— UCD GAA Club (@UCDGAA) April 15, 2015

UCD GAA / Twitter

Babs Keating with Dave Billings Morgan Treacy / INPHO Dave Billings with Babs Keating after the 2005 Dublin county senior hurling final. Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

The @ucddublin campus will be all the poorer for the passing of Dave Billings. Great friend of Leinster Rugby. Codladh sámh Dave. #RIP
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) April 15, 2015

Leinster Rugby / Twitter

Several inter-county stars who lined out for UCD GAA teams have paid tribute to Billings.

It's a sad day for the GAA. Dave Billings was like a father to me & everyone else involved in @UCDGAA For that I cant thank him enough #RIP
— Matthew O'Hanlon (@MattOH91) April 15, 2015

Matthew O'Hanlon / Twitter

Thoughts with the family of the indomitable spirit of @UCDGAA and St.Vincents Dave Billings.Made 3rd level experience brighter for so many
— Diarmuid Lyng (@diarmuidlyng) April 15, 2015

Diarmuid Lyng / Twitter

His standing in the GAA community has also been reflected in the condolences being sent by other third-level GAA clubs.

From all at UCC GAA Club sincerest condolences to Dave Billings family at his sudden passing. @UCDGAA @StVincentsGAA1 @DubGAAOfficial
— UCC GAA (@ucc_gaa) April 15, 2015

UCC GAA / Twitter

Thoughts and prayers for our friend Dave Billings and everyone in @UCDGAA , shocked by the passing of a true gentleman. RIP
— SETU GAA Waterford (@SETUGAAWD) April 15, 2015

WIT GAA / Twitter

And by members of the wider Irish sporting community:

So sad to hear of the passing of Dave Billings. A great Dublin & UCD GAA man but also a warm, friendly neighbour. Rest in Peace.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) April 15, 2015

Brian O'Driscoll / Twitter

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