FORMER Athlone Town manager Ambrose 'Amby' Fogarty passed away peacefully at University Hospital Limerick on Sunday evening, the FAI have confirmed.
Aged 82, Dublin-born Fogarty won 11 caps for Ireland between 1960 and 1964. He scored three goals for his country after making his international debut against West Germany.
His playing career commenced with Home Farm and included spells with Bohemians, Glentoran, Sunderland, Hartlepool United, Cork Hibs, Cork Celtic, Drumcondra, Bray Wanderers and Athlone Town.
He moved into management after his playing days and the former club-mate of the late Brian Clough went on to take charge of Cork Hibs, Cork Celtic, Drumcondra, Galway Rovers and Athlone Town.
The FAI passed on its condolences to his wife Brenda, children Sean, Donal, Maura and Colette plus his wider relatives and friends.
Former Athlone Town stalwart Pauric Nicholson said: "He was the manager against AC Milan in 1975 - we were a struggling team until he came along. We'd signed Terry Daly and Eugene Davis then Amby came in. He transformed the club and had a lot of Brian Clough's characteristics - the passion he had, he was so strong minded and fell out with a lot of people along the way because of his desire to get things done.
"Amby's appointment as manager was the start of some great times for the club. He did play one game for us against Home Farm when we were up the top end of the table and I scored the equaliser with a late penalty. We beat Cork to finish runners-up that season and the next year we played AC Milan.
"He wasn't at the 40th anniversary dinner recently but he was missed on the night and he was such a great motivator. He was hard on players - myself included - but it was for your own good and the players all respected that. He'll be sadly missed"
FAI President Tony Fitzgerald paid tribute to the former international and League of Ireland manager.
"Ambrose Fogarty had a great playing career and was the pioneer bringing in the likes of Alex Ludzic and players from the UK to the League of Ireland. He helped created a lot of interest for soccer in Cork and successfully managed both Cork Hibs and Cork Celtic," said Fitzgerald.
"It is always a sad occasion to learn of the passing of a former international and we pass on our respects to his family and remember his contribution to Irish football with fondness."
