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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Vincent Whelan

Tributes paid to Noel Campbell after death of Irish footballing trailblazer

Tributes are being paid across Irish football circles after news emerged of the death of former international Noel Campbell at the age of 72.

The FAI as well as former club St Patrick's Athletic were among those to express their condolences to his family.

An FAI statement read: "The Football Association of Ireland are saddened to learn of the sudden death of former Republic of Ireland international Noel Campbell in his native Dublin.

"As a player Noel's career saw him play for St Patrick's Athletic, FC Koln and Shamrock Rovers.

"Holder of 11 Irish caps, Noel was the last senior international to be capped whilst playing for St Patrick's Athletic and the first mainland Europe based player to represent Ireland during his time in Cologne.

"He also coached and managed briefly at Shamrock Rovers on his return to Ireland.

FAI President Gerry McAnaney said: "Our thoughts today are with Noel's wife Anne and the Campbell family.

"I remember Noel as a really good and competitive midfield player who also broke new ground for Irish football when he moved to Germany in the 1970s. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

The Saints tweeted: "We learned today of the sad passing of the great Noel Campbell.

"Noel spent 5 brilliant years at the club from 1967. He remains the last man to play for Ireland while at the club from 1971. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

"Noel led the Saints to the 1967 FAI Cup final and later that year scored twice against Bordeaux in the Fairs Cup.

"After his Ireland debut he transferred to Fortuna Koln, later becoming the first Irishman to play in the Bundesliga. He remained a Saints supporter."

Campbell earned 11 caps for his country between 1971-77 and also played for Shamrock Rovers with whom he finished his career in 1983.

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