TRIBUTES TO A MONAGHAN SOCCER LEGEND – SEAN MCCAFFREY (1959-2017)

“Sean warmed so many peoples’ hearts during his life but so many hearts have been broken with his passing.” The heartfelt reaction of current Ireland Under 19 manager Tom Mohan to the passing of his predecessor in the role and long-time friend Sean McCaffrey fairly epitomises the sadness which has engulfed the soccer community in Monaghan this past week.

The death of the legendary coach – after an illness bravely borne – in Cavan General Hospital on Saturday morning last has spawned a wave of tributes to the personable 58 year old Monaghan town native who is chiefly mourned by his wife Irene, mother Veronica, sister Fiona Redhead (Ballinode), brothers Gerard (Rockcorry), Terry (Tyholland), Conor (Dublin), Brendan and Kieran (Monaghan). “Sean had a big heart and made a lasting impression on everyone …