The League of Ireland is in mourning following Ollie Horgan’s passing after a short battle with illness.

The Salthill native enjoyed great success with Fanad United before spending nine years as manager of Finn Harps.

He then went on to serve as Galway United Assistant Manager before stepping down last month.

There is widespread sadness in sporting circles following the death of one of football’s great characters.

“It is with great sadness that I have learnt of the death of Ollie Horgan,” said Michael D Higgns in a statement this evening. “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.”

Ollie Horgan.

Mr Horgan worked as a teacher at St Eunan’s College and the Sentry Hill School paid tribute to him.

“It is with profound sadness that we, the community of Saint Eunan’s College, announce the passing of our cherished and valued colleague, friend, and teacher, Mr.Ollie Horgan. Ollie has taught in Saint Eunan’s College since 1989.

“Ollie will be remembered as a wonderful colleague, whose laughter and good humour were a constant in our staffroom. He was an all round professional, a true friend and a source of unwavering support to all of us. This same spirit of encouragement was clear in his passion for sport. As a gifted soccer coach, he was a mentor and inspiration to countless students over the years.

“He was a man of great warmth and character, but his greatest pride and joy was his family. He was, above all, a loving family man, and his passing is a devastating loss.

“Our most heartfelt sympathies are with Ollie’s family at this unimaginably difficult time. We are holding his wife, Anita and his children Emma, Anthony, Brendan, Conor and David in our thoughts and prayers.

“We will share details of the funeral arrangements when they are made public, in accordance with the family’s wishes. We ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this sad time.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

Finn Harps were at a low ebb when Horgan took the reins in 2013 and he enjoyed a brilliant period as manager of the Ballybofey club.

Harps released a statement saying: “Everyone associated with Finn Harps is deeply saddened by the passing of former manager Ollie Horgan.

“Ollie arrived at Finn Park in 2013 and over the course of nearly a decade left an indelible mark on the club’s history. During his tenure he guided Harps to an FAI Cup Semi-final, two promotions and secured the club’s best league finish in twenty years in 2020. His relentless determination, work ethic and passion saw the club defy the odds to compete in the Premier Division in six of Ollie’s nine years at the helm, resulting in many magic nights at Finn Park and across the country.

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

“The thoughts of everyone at Finn Harps FC are with Ollie’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Mr Horgan began his managerial career with Fanad United and also represented the Traigh-a-Loch club as a player with distinction.

Fanad posted on social media, saying the following: “It is with great sadness that the club learned today of the passing of it’s former player and manager Ollie Horgan.

“The word “legend” often gets mentioned in the football world, but it is no exaggeration to say that Ollie was a legend of both football in Donegal and the League of Ireland.

“Ollie signed as a player with Fanad in 1989, and the shrewd signing of the tough-tackling left back/midfielder was the start of a legacy that will forever form a part of the annals of the club’s history.

“Ollie had a glittering career as a player with the club and was a vital cog of the team that captured our second FAI Intermediate Cup in 1995. He added a number of Ulster Senior League and Knockalla Caravan Cups to his medal collection before the wind down of his playing career and entry into the world of management and involvement with the Irish Schoolboys teams.

“The Galway man didn’t stay away for too long however and returned to the club in 2004 following the departure of Eamon McConigley. A great man-manager and motivator, Ollie, assisted by his friend and former player, Colm McGonigle, led the club to 3 more Ulster League Titles along with a few league cups. The league winning season of 2006 will go down in folklore in the club’s history and his side won their last 11 games to force a play off and ran out 2-1 winners against Kildrum in a playoff.

“It was also Ollie’s vision that brought the club onto the League of Ireland stage entering us into both the LOI U19s and A Championships.
When Finn Harps came calling, Ollie took the next step on the managerial rung. We were only too glad to watch the success of his Harps teams over the years, along with his antics off the pitch (including legendary interviews) which will be talked about in the League of Ireland for many’s a day.

“Ollie’s move to Harps didn’t stop his involvement with the club and he was only too happy to attend any function, fundraiser or any other occasion which he felt he might be needed to help out. He was front and centre at our recent 50th celebration at the start of the year and as always, he always had time for friends and colleagues and his availability and generosity will always be remembered by the club.

“The club committee, management, players and supporters would like to take this opportunity to pass on our deepest condolences to Ollie’s wife Anita, his children Emma, Anthony, Brendan, Conor, David and all his extended family at this extremely sad time.

“The footballing world is a sadder place today, we will deeply miss Ollie’s presence in the Kingdom….a great football man, an even better human being.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam, Ní fheicfimid a leithéid arís.”