St Pat's pay tribute to title winner Damien Byrne, who has died at 71

He was also a loyal servant at Drogheda United, where he reached the 1976 FAI Cup final against Bohemians.

1990: Damien Byrne of St Patrick's Athletic celebrates. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Damien Byrne, who captained St Patrick’s Athletic to their first league title for 34 years in 1990, has passed away at the age of 71.

A successful player on both sides of the border between 1973 and 1993, he was a loyal servant at Drogheda United, where he reached the 1976 FAI Cup final against Bohemians.

He was soon converted from striker to central defender by Drogs manager Ray Treacy and it was at the back where he excelled in the St Pat’s team managed by Brian Kerr.

The Inchicore generation of Dave Henderson, Mick Mooney, Curtis Fleming, Pat Fenlon and Mark Ennis looked up to Byrne as a leader during a period of Saints revival.

That title was clinched back at Drogheda and his personal contribution was recognised by the Soccer Writers Ireland with the Personality of the Year award.

He’d received the equivalent from the Northern Ireland writers three years earlier during his stint at Ards.

After returning, he spent a brief spell as Eamon Gregg’s assistant and Bohemians. Later, he would return to the grassroots, coaching a Belvedere team to the SFAI national cup.

“It is with great sadness we learn of the passing of the great Damien Byrne,” said St Pat’s in a statement.

“After a very successful career as a striker in the Irish League and the LOI, Damien converted to a teak tough centre-half with the Saints under Brian Kerr.

“An inspirational leader, he captained the club to our first title in 34 years in 1990. He remained a hugely popular figure around the club. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”