Ollie Horgan - a 'true pillar' of Irish football - has died aged 57

Ollie Horgan during his time as Finn Harps manager. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

Highly regarded League of Ireland manager and coach Ollie Horgan has died, aged 57, after a short illness.

Horgan stepped away from his work as assistant manager with Galway United just three weeks ago. A Salthill native, he served as assistant to John Caulfield at Galway since 2023.

Rest in peace a true character of Irish football.

Passionate football man Ollie Horgan has sadly passed away.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam ⚽ pic.twitter.com/YBgsvydf4H

— sportsfile (@sportsfile) August 28, 2025

Having began his management career with Donegal club Fanad United, Horgan built his League of Ireland reputation at Finn Harps, the club he managed from 2013 to 2022. 

He succesfully kept the club in the League of Ireland top tier for much of that spell and also enjoyed two promotion-winning campaigns in the First Division. 

The wild-haired, colourful figure became one of the best-known, most admired figures in the league.

A PE teacher, he worked for many years at St Eunan's College in Letterkenny. 

President Michael D Higgins paid tribute in a statement. 

“It is with great sadness that I have learnt of the death of Ollie Horgan.

"Ollie was one of the most respected and popular people in the League of Ireland. He will be warmly remembered for his wonderful management and intense passion for the game, in particular during his near decade-long spell as manager of Finn Harps.

"More recently Ollie has played a key role, working as assistant to John Caulfield, in the successful recent seasons of Galway United, only leaving his role in recent weeks due to the health challenges he was facing.

"He will be deeply missed by the whole League of Ireland community.

May I express my deepest sympathy and condolences to Ollie’s wife Anita, his children Emma, Anthony, Brendan, Conor and David, to all of his family who have made such an extraordinary contribution to the game, and to all of his players, colleagues, friends and fans throughout the country.”

Galway United penned an emotional tribute to Ollie, noting his love of music as an accomplished pianist.

"A legend of the game across Ireland, Ollie joined the Galway United family ahead of the 2023 season and has been instrumental in the club’s success ever since.

"Ollie will be remembered mostly for his remarkable tenure as manager of Finn Harps, where he took charge in 2013. Over the course of nearly a decade he guided the Donegal club through promotions, relegation battles, and some of the most memorable nights in Ballybofey. Against the odds, he inspired his team to punch above their weight, becoming a beloved figure among Harps supporters and a respected rival across the League of Ireland.

"Outside of football, Ollie was an accomplished pianist enjoying the works of Bach and Beethoven as well as being a dedicated teacher of Maths and PE in St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny for over 30 years."

Ollie's teaching days also saw him manage the Republic of Ireland schoolboy team on many occasions, and he was involved with the team as recently as last May. 

Galway added: Ollie spent a lot of his time driving around the country focusing his time on grassroots football and it would not be unusual to see him watching a junior match in Sligo one day and be on the other side of the country the next. He had time for everyone involved in the game and those who worked closely with Ollie knew him not just as a coach but as a friend.

"He had a word for everyone, and always the courage to speak his mind.

"For Galway United, Ollie’s loss is deeply personal. He was more than an Assistant Manager or coach; he was a central figure on our journey and an inspiration to players and a much loved figure to our supporters.. His absence will be felt profoundly in the dressing room, on the training pitch, and on match days.

To Ollie’s loving wife Anita, his children Emma, Anthony, Brendan, Conor, David, his sister Mary and brother Gerard and to his extended family and friends we extend our most heartfelt, deepest condolences. Ollie was predeceased by his mother Bernie, father Joe and brother Martin.

To our supporters, we invite you to remember Ollie as he lived, passionate about football, devoted to his players, and forever committed to the game he loved and more importantly a much loved and devoted husband and father."

Finn Harps, the club with which Ollie was most associated, said: "Everyone associated with Finn Harps is deeply saddened by the passing of former manager Ollie Horgan.

"A man of great integrity and resolve, Ollie’s contribution to Finn Harps and Irish football will never be forgotten.

"A proper football man. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Like the whole football community we were devastated to hear of the passing of our former player and manager Ollie Horgan today💔
A true football man who was respected throughout the Country.
Condolences to his wife and family. RIP Ollie 🙏 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/6ISzz2B2Uh

— Fanad United FC (@FanadUtdFc) August 28, 2025

As tributes pour in from around the Irish football community, Fanad United expressed the club's devastation at the news. 

"Like the whole football community we were devastated to hear of the passing of our former player and manager Ollie Horgan today.  A true football man who was respected throughout the country."

Dundalk FC announced the club will host a book of condolences at Oriel Park tomorrow night ahead of their First Division meeting with Kerry.

"We at Dundalk FC are deeply saddened by the passing of Ollie Horgan, a true pillar of the League of Ireland football community.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. His contributions and achievements have left a lasting legacy, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

Cork City expressed sadness at the loss of a "a highly respected figure throughout Irish football". 

"Ollie will be truly missed by everyone across the League of Ireland community."

Shelbourne said Horgan's "deep passion for football left a lasting impact across the League of Ireland". 

Shamrock Rovers added: "Always a friend of the club, Ollie will be sadly missed by all in LOI football."

Bohemians rememered a "League of Ireland legend", whose "presence and passion will be so sorely missed by all". 

Bray Wanderers saluted a "stalwart of the League of Ireland football community". Longford Town said "our league has lost a true legend in Ollie".

Wexford remembered a "League of Ireland great", a "passionate sideline presence and man of huge talent".

St Patrick's Athletic said "Ollie contributed hugely to football in Ireland and was a hugely popular figure throughout our league."

Drogheda United remembered "a true servant of the game, Ollie's contribution to Irish football will never be forgotten."

Cobh Ramblers expressed sadness at the loss of a "one of a kind character and a legend of Irish Football".

While Sligo Rovers paid tribute to a coach "whose passion, dedication, and commitment to football left a lasting impact. His knowledge and determination brought out the best in his teams.

"Above all, Ollie will be remembered as a man of integrity who gave his all to Irish football."

This story will be updated.