Former Football Association of Ireland president Michael Hyland has died at the age of 95.
A former president of the Athletic Union League in Dublin, Hyland was a prominent figure in junior football and led the construction of the AUL Sports Complex, which proved to be hugely influential for Irish football.
Elected as FAI vice-president in 1990, he went on to serve as FAI president until 1994, while also serving as chairman of the League of Ireland for a seven-year period.
He was one of the main driving forces behind moving the League of Ireland to a summer football calendar.
Hyland represented the association within UEFA and FIFA – serving on different committees – and gave many years to the development of Irish football.
FAI president Paul Cooke paid tribute to Hyland by saying: “On behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, I’d like to pay respect to our former president Michael Hyland and extend our sympathies to his family and friends following his passing.
“A dedicated football man, Michael’s contributions to Irish football helped to make a positive difference, particularly within the League of Ireland where he served as Chairman, and he will be fondly remembered as a result.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”