Former FAI treasurer Joe Delaney, who served as a dedicated member of the association until 1996, has sadly passed away at the age of 82. He was also known as the father of former FAI chief John Delaney.
In addition to his role with the FAI, Delaney held significant positions within the football community. He served as Chairman of Waterford United and held the esteemed position of Life President of St Michael's FC in his hometown of Tipperary. Delaney also played a key role in the administration of Irish football during the years when Jack Charlton was the Republic of Ireland manager. His contributions to the sport were highly regarded.
The Football Association of Ireland expressed their condolences via social media on Thursday morning, as they recognized Delaney's important role as a former Honourary Officer. Their statement read: "The Board of the Football Association of Ireland offers our condolences on the death of former Honourary Officer Joe Delaney."
The Board of the Football Association of Ireland offers our condolences on the death of former Honourary Officer Joe Delaney.
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) June 22, 2023
Joe Delaney is survived by his five children: John, Joanne, Paul, Mary-Pat, and Jane. Posting on RIP.ie, the family said, "JOE, (previously Chairman of Waterford United FC, Officer of the FAI and Life Member, Hon. President of Munster Football Association and Hon. Life President of Saint Michael’s FC) pre-deceased by his wife Joan & sister Edith.
"Loving father to Joanne (Beary), John, Paul, Mary-Pat (Hammond) & Jane (O’Driscoll), sadly missed by his family, brothers Jim & Fr. John, sons-in-law Tom, Paul & Peter, daughter-in-law Karen, John’s partner Natalia, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandchildren Joan, Thomas, Eve, Catherine, Ethan, Isabelle, Holly-Jo, Darcy & Josephine, god-children, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and his many friends in the football, horse, and greyhound racing circles."
His funeral service will be held at St Michael's Church in Tipperary Town at 11.30am on Saturday, June 24.
