Leo, 2nd left, at Ozier Park (with thanks to the Munster Express)

All at the Blues were deeply saddened to hear yesterday of the passing of the legendary Leo Dunne, a name synonymous with football in the region for so many years.

Though best and most fondly remembered as soccer correspondant with the Waterford News and Star since long before almost all of us can recall, Leo was also an administrator of the highest calibre, and no doubt his greatest claim to fame in that regard is as a founding member of Waterford Bohemians Football Club, which he helped bring into being in 1941, and which is now, of course, one of the foremost clubs in the country, with a plethora of Irish international players having passed through their ranks over the years, including no less than three in the most recent Ireland squad, namely John O’Shea, Brian Murphy, and Eddie Nolan.

Leo also served superbly in an administrative capacity at various times over the years with the Waterford & District League, the FAI Junior Council and the League of Ireland Management Committee, and outside of football with the Red Kettle theatre company, but it is as a football writer that he will be so fondly remembered by most.

Initially with the Munster Express, and then for over 50 years with the News & Star, Leo covered local, national and international football, and his coverage of the Blues from lean times through the boom years of the 60s and 70s, and all the ups and downs that have since followed, was hugely appreciated by fans far and wide, right up until his retirement two years ago. Writing with wit and verve, insightfulness and integrity, and with a warmth and genuine enthusiasm for the game at all levels, Leo received well-earned national recognition when inducted into the League of Ireland Hall of Fame with a media award in 1998.

A true gentleman, and a true legend of the game, Leo will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Sincerest condolences from all at Waterford United to Leo’s family and many, many friends at this time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.