TRIBUTES have been paid to former FAI president Milo Corcoran who has died following a recent illness.
He passed away in Ireland yesterday.
Born in Dublin to Kilkenny parents, Milo Corcoran grew up in Co. Waterford.
Mr Corcoran, who was elected FAI President in 2001, served during the most infamous period in Irish football history - the Saipan scandal.
During Ireland's preparations for the World Cup in Japan and South Korea, Ireland captain Roy Keane was sent home after a row with boss Mick McCarthy that left the nation split.
Mr Corcoran held the position of president until 2005 - having previously served a five-year term as vice president.
"In Milo Corcoran, we have lost one of Irish football's true gentlemen. It is with great sadness that I learned of his passing on Monday evening and my thoughts are with his family," said FAI President Tony Fitzgerald.
"Milo was someone who made a huge impact on so many levels to improve football in this country and his contribution is simply invaluable. From grassroots right up to being FAI President, he made a difference wherever he was and that will be his legacy.
"He will be missed by anyone who knew him and Irish football will certainly be a little poorer without him around. May he rest in peace."
FAI CEO John Delaney also paid tribute to Milo, saying his contribution to the game would leave a lasting impact on Irish football for many years.
"Milo was a great personal friend of mine, someone who I had the pleasure of knowing for more than 30 years, and someone who I was extremely close to," he said.
"He made an immeasurable contribution to the game and he is someone whose loss will be felt deeply in the world of football.
"The FAI will pay a number of tributes to Milo in the coming days and weeks, and we will miss him greatly.
I want to pass on my deepest sympathies to his family and many friends in the game."
Milo Corcoran was president of the FAI during the infamous Saipan scandal. (Photo ©INPHO/Andrew Paton)Mr Corcoran was part of the current FAI Board and Chairman of the FAI International Committee, where he worked to raise the standards of football development throughout Ireland.
Considered to be the main driving force behind the creation of the Setanta Sports Cup - a cross-border competition between League of Ireland and Irish League clubs - he served as the tournament's chairman from its inception in 2005.
Irish FA Chief Executive, Patrick Nelson, said he has a great ability to build positive relationships.
“Milo was a highly respected figure within European football and he worked closely with the Irish FA throughout his time at the FAI to build co-operation and develop positive relations," he said.
“On behalf of the Irish FA, I would like to extend my sympathy to both the FAI and to Milo’s family at this time.”
A strong supporter of domestic football, Milo was a regular at his beloved Waterford United, where he served in a variety of roles including club chairman, and was the club's representative on the League Committee in the 1980s and 1990s.
Milo Corcoran was also a member of the UEFA Youth and Amateur Football Committee.
He was a key figure in establishing the Football Village of Hope with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Irish Aid programme to assist integration between Palestinian and Israeli children through football.
In his career outside of football, Milo worked as a sales representative for Heineken Ireland and he recently did some consultancy work with Renua Ireland.
He is survived by his beloved wife Marie, sons Alan and Evan.
His funeral will take place at St. Benildus Church, Newtown Waterford on Thursday, August 25 at 10.30am followed by burial in Ballygunner Cemetery.
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