Irish football mourns passing of Ray Treacy

The Football Association of Ireland has paid its respects to Ray Treacy who passed away last night aged 68.

Ray won 42 caps for Ireland between 1966 and 1980 and scored five goals.

Deeply saddened by Ray Treacy's passing. International Legend, League Legend & an absolute gentleman. RIP Ray pic.twitter.com/OvJyUTKqlz

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) April 11, 2015

"We are all deeply saddened at the passing of Ray Treacy," said John Delaney, FAI CEO.

"He was legend of Irish football and made a unique contribution to his country, to schoolboy football and to the League of Ireland.

"As the FAI's official travel agent he helped thousands of Irish supporters follow the team all over the globe, particularly to the World Cups in 1990, 1994 and 2002.

"We offer our sincere condolences to his family, his wife Jenny, his daughters Karen and Lisa, and two sons John and Gary."

So sad to hear Ray Treacy has passed away. A great man and much loved by so many #RIPRAYTREACY

— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) April 11, 2015

He scored the winning goal for the Republic of Ireland against France in a World Cup qualifier at Dalymount Park in November 1972.

He was also the last man to score for Ireland while attached to a League of Ireland club, scoring two in a 4-2 win over Turkey at Lansdowne Road in April 1978.

As a boy, Ray played for Home Farm before being signed by West Brom, which was to be his first and last English club in an English career that saw him play for Charlton Athletic, Swindon Town and Preston North End.

The club is saddened to hear of the passing of former striker Ray Treacy, at the age of 68. #RIPRay #cafc pic.twitter.com/u5fxcQ7tEF

— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) April 11, 2015

In 1977 he returned to Dublin and played for Shamrock Rovers under John Giles and scored the winning goal for the club in the 1978 FAI Cup final.

He was also player manager at Drogheda United and managed Home Farm.

Shocked to hear of passing of Ray Treacy. Ronan Collins & I tried to ring him this week to wish him well. Every night out with Ray was craic

— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) April 11, 2015

In January 1992, he returned to Shamrock Rovers and guided them as manager to the League title in the 1993/94 season, their first league title in 30 years.

He also managed the international schoolboy side, having played as schoolboy international himself with Home Farm.

He went on to set up Ray Treacy Travel, which was official agent to the FAI, and helped thousands of fans follow Ireland all over the globe, making many friends along the way.

In 2009, the Association inducted Ray into its Hall of Fame at the FAI International Football awards to mark his outstanding contribution to the game.

"Ray Treacy will be missed deeply by everyone involved in the game," said FAI president Tony Fitzgerald.

"He was a great player and a gentleman who made an outstanding contribution to Irish football at all levels that was recognised when he was inducted into our Hall of Fame in 2009.

"Our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time are with all of his family and many friends."

The FAI will honour Ray Treacy's outstanding contribution to Irish football at its international matches in June.