Tributes paid to Gaelic football legend Heffo

Family, friends, and sporting stars of past and present turned out for the removal of Gaelic football legend Kevin Heffernan in Dublin last night.

Affectionately known as “Heffo”, the former Dublin dual player and All-Ireland winning football manager died at the weekend at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Orla, and their extended family.

Mr Heffernan managed the Dublin footballers to All-Ireland titles in 1974, 1976, and 1983, enjoying many famous battles with the Kerry teams of that era. They defeated Cork in semi-finals in 1974 and 1983, the latter in a replay in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. He lifted the Sam Maguire Cup as Dublin captain in 1958.

Luminaries of the GAA and soccer attended the removal service for Mr Heffernan at the Church of St Vincent De Paul, Griffith Avenue, Dublin.

Among those paying their respects included Kerry’s Mick O’Dwyer, with whom Mr Heffernan crossed swords with on the sideline on three occasions during the 1970s, winning the 1976 All-Ireland final against Kerry but losing in 1975 and 1980.

Also in attendance were legendary GAA commentator Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, former Meath footballer and now pundit Colm O’Rourke, and former Dublin manager Pat Gilroy. Former Dublin and Manchester United star Kevin Moran was among those who carried the coffin.

Former and current Dublin stars who paid their respects included Seán Doherty, Jimmy Keaveney, Tommy Conroy, Paddy Cullen, Tony Hanahoe, Gay O’Driscoll, Tommy Drumn, Bernard Brogan, and Brian Mullins.

Mr Heffernan was granted the freedom of Dublin City in 2004, to the delight of fans and sporting enthusiasts, and last night the Dublin flag flew at half mast on the Mansion House and City Hall as a mark of respect.

Mr Heffernan will be laid to rest today at St Fintan’s cemetery, Sutton, after 11am Mass.