Tributes paid to 'undisputed giant of Dublin football'
Tributes from the GAA and Irish sporting worlds are being paid to the late Kevin Heffernan, who has died at the age of 83.
The former Dublin dual player and All-Ireland winning football manager is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Orla and their extended family.
'Heffo' managed the Dublin footballers to All-Ireland titles in 1974, 1976 and 1983, enjoying many famous battles with the Kerry teams of that era. He lifted the Sam Maguire Cup as Dublin captain in 1958.
GAA President Liam O'Neill said: "Kevin Heffernan had an incalculable impact not only on Gaelic Games in the capital but nationally, helping as he did to forge one of the defining rivalries of the Association while at the same time assisting in the reinvigoration of the GAA scene in Dublin.
“'The Dubs' as we know them came into being during his era as he restored success to his native county and a pride in the team that was built on the back of the selection of Dublin-born players.
“He was one of the most charismatic and popular figures the Association has ever produced and was at the same time an immensely modest man.
“I would count myself - like countless others - extremely fortunate to have met him on occasions down through the years.
“On behalf of the Association I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Mary, daughter Orla, wider family and large circle of friends and admirers."
Solas na bhFlaitheas ar anam Kevin Heffernan a fuair bas inniu. twitter.com/officialgaa/st…
— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 25, 2013
A statement posted on the Dublin GAA website expressed the sincere sympathies of the County Board and the capital's GAA community, describing Heffernan as "a very modest and unassuming man who never dwelt on his past achievements".
Expanding on Heffernan's influence on Gaelic games - both in Dublin and nationally - and his lasting legacy, it read: "Kevin Heffernan was ahead of his times as a player, a manager and an administrator. He revolutionised Gaelic football in both how players and teams prepared and operated and also in terms of the philosophy and psychology of our national games.
"For his unparalleled devotion and contribution to Gaelic football and hurling, the Association in Dublin will be forever indebted to him.
"So too is Irish society for lifting the awareness of Gaelic Games, putting it on a revered pedestal, particularly at a juncture in time when participation in Gaelic Games in the capital was waning.
"When Kevin was selected on the Team of the Millennium it was a justifiable award for the undisputed giant of Dublin football.
"Not only for being instrumental in delivering a long-awaited All-Ireland Senior Football Championship victory in 1958 as a corner forward but most importantly for his management and leadership of the Dublin team that brought glory to the capital in the 1970s and 1980s."
The Dublin GAA statement also noted his playing achievements at club level with St Vincent's and his administration work, in latter years, to help set up the development squad strategy as a springboard for underage success for Dublin.
"At a local level, Kevin embodied the spirit of the St. Vincent’s club in winning 21 senior county Championships between football and hurling. At international level, his managerial excellence was recognised by the GAA who chose him to lead the Irish team in Australia in 1986 to a great victory.
"In recent years Kevin chaired the County Board Development Committee which devised a development squad strategy that has proved highly successful with a number of All-Ireland successes at underage level."
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