A FUNDRAISER set up to support the family of a youth football coach who died in a road traffic collision has exceeded €40,000.
David Conroy was one of two men who died in a three-vehicle collision in Co. Meath on Thursday.
Conroy was under-14 coach for League of Ireland Premier Division side Drogheda United and Director of Football at amateur side Laytown United.
‘Gave everything to his community’
The online fundraiser, which has almost reached it target of €50,000 within two days, described Conroy as a pillar of the community.
"Outside of work and family, he gave everything to his community and to other communities that he touched," it read.
"In particular, he has helped the football wellbeing of countless young kids and coaches with his undying love for Laytown Utd and Drogheda Utd.
Drogheda United's Gary Deegan embraces David Conroy's son Alex after the game against Dundalk (Image: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)"The tributes coming in across the country in the media are the tip of the iceberg of what this legend gave."
It adds that the father-of-five was the sole breadwinner for his family.
Tributes
Meanwhile Drogheda United dedicated their Friday night derby victory over Dundalk to Conroy.
Both sets of players stood for a moment’s silence ahead of the game, while the Drogs players embraced Conroy’s 12-year-old son Alex at full time.
Tributes continue to be paid to the well-respected coach.
We'd like to dedicate tonight's victory against Dundalk to our dear friend, David Conroy ♥️
🟣🔵 #WeAreDrogs pic.twitter.com/aO5Cx45LZx
— Drogheda United F.C. (@DroghedaUnited) August 20, 2021
3 massive points dedicated to a fellow drog and an absolute gent of man in David Conroy who sadly passed away during the week. No better way to do it then in the derby as-well💜biggest win of the night was putting a smile on Alex’s face at the final whistle ☝️ RIP David Conroy🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/Yel0ThOePH
— James brown (@jamesbrown5588) August 21, 2021
We are devestated to learn of the news that David Conroy sadly passed away this morning following a tragic accident
David was a former player & manager with Ayrfield before relocating to Laytown where he became an instrumental & highly regarded figure at Laytown & Drogheda Utd pic.twitter.com/jE8f08dppN
— Ayrfield United FC (@WeAreAyrfield) August 19, 2021
The @SSEAirtricityLg would like to express our sympathies to the family, friends and all at @DroghedaUnited following the tragic passing of U14 Coach David Conroy
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam #RIP | #LOI https://t.co/fm3M8dzWrC
— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) August 19, 2021
Such a beautiful gesture and a fitting tribute to a fantastic man @DroghedaUnited RIP David Conroy🙏🏻☘️❤️ https://t.co/essh0xI6Hk
— Dave Rogers (@rogiedav75) August 20, 2021
To donate to the fundraiser in memory of David Conroy, please click here.
