Football Association of Ireland secretary general, Brendan Menton, has led the tributes to former Dundalk FC chairman Enda McGuill who died yesterday following a short illness.

McGuill, 71, presided over Oriel Park for almost three decades in various roles from secretary to chairman after joining the club in 1971.

McGuill was responsible for bringing Jim McLaughlin to Dundalk which sparked the most successful spell in its history. McGuill watched proudly as they won five titles and four FAI Cups and had many great nights in European club competitions against the likes of Celtic, Tottenham, FC Porto, Hadjuk Split and Liverpool.

McGuill was president of the League of Ireland from 1988 to 1990 and was later made an honorary life vice-president of the league.

"Enda McGuill will be sadly missed by everyone in the game," said Menton. "He was the driving force in Dundalk football for many years and was an excellent representative for the club and an astute administrator. We all mourn his passing." He is survived by wife Noreen, son Gerard and daughters Bernie and Adrienne. RIP.

As a mark of respect, tonight's National League Premier Division game between Dundalk and Longford Town, scheduled for Oriel Park, has been put back to Saturday with a 7.45pm kick-off. - P Buttner