A football club in south Dublin has paid tribute to a ‘very valued former player and highly esteemed former coach’ who passed away following an illness battle last week.
Conor Geoghegan of Blackrock, Co Dublin passed away at St Vincent’s University Hospital after a long illness battle on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Mr Geoghegan is survived by his beloved wife and ‘best friend’ Muireann, his mother, sister and brother.
TRIBUTES
Tributes have continued to pour in for the Dubliner, who has been remembered for his ‘quiet strength’ and ability to ‘inspire young players’ across the age groups in his beloved Cabinteely FC, which last night paid a lengthy tribute to Mr Geoghegan.
‘It is with great sadness that we share condolences on the untimely passing of Conor Geoghegan, a very valued former player and highly esteemed former coach of our club, following illness,’ they wrote.
‘Conor was a true gentleman both on and off the field and an excellent individual who embodied the best that football can be.
‘As a player, Conor excelled in midfield with great skill in reading the game. He had a masterful touch, playing to high personal standards and always contributing with grit and determination to the team and club.
‘Any player encountering Conor will remember his spirit of fair play, but also his absolute determination to succeed. His enjoyment of football and his talent were evident to anyone who saw him play.’
The club described how Mr Geoghegan represented Cabinteely F.C., captaining the team for over two years while playing alongside his brother.
Subsequently, Conor became a coach for youth players at both U16 and U18 teams where he was described as ‘an exemplary mentor for our young players’.
The club continued: ‘Conor was skilled, calm, kind, and collected – a coach who earned the respect of players, parents and peers alike. His guidance, quiet strength and ability to inspire young players made him a greatly respected person in our football community.’
Extending their sympathies to Mr Geoghegan’s family, the club concluded: ‘Conor’s legacy will live on through the young players he mentored, and in the many other people he touched in his life through his voluntarism, generosity and warmth. He will be missed by all at Cabinteely, especially those lucky enough to grace the pitch with him. Rest in peace Conor.’
Similarly, South Bank Cuaco F.C., based in London, also paid tribute to the former player who spent three years in London, writing that Mr Geoghegan was an ‘incredible footballer who would regularly hit 15 goals a season from central midfield whilst also getting many assists with his knack of picking a pass out from anywhere.’
Describing him as a ‘captain’s dream’, they branded him a team player who never missed a game.
FRIENDLY SOUL
Pic: Rip Dublin / Conor Geoghegan
Friends and neighbours of the young man also paid tribute, describing him as a ‘friendly soul’ who was always ‘an absolute gent’.
‘In all my interactions with him Conor was a gentleman and an absolute credit to himself and his family,’ wrote one. ‘As well as being a brilliant player, he was always the most gentle, most friendly soul.’
Another wrote: ‘Conor was an absolute gent and we appreciated all he did for us in St Raphaela’s – he was sorely missed when he became ill.’
A third penned: ‘I had the pleasure of going to secondary school with Conor. He was a true gentleman who was always up for a bit of mischief and never short of a witty joke! An amazing athlete across multiple sports, a teammate you could rely on to put in a performance.
‘I will miss him dearly and will cherish the memories we had together on and off the field.’
Mr Geoghegan will repose at Patrick O’Donovan & Son Funeral Home, Sallynoggin, this evening, Monday, November 25, 2024, between 5 pm and 7 pm, his funeral notice confirmed.
A funeral mass for Mr Geoghegan will take place at the Church of the Guardian Angels, Newtownpark Avenue at 10 am tomorrow, Tuesday, November 26, with burial immediately afterwards in Shanganagh Cemetery.
