"Farewell to a Football Legend: Tributes Flow for Former Dundalk and Crusaders Star Who 'Illuminated Every Match'"

TRIBUTES have been paid following the untimely death of former Crusaders and Dundalk star Liam Dunne.

Dunne passed away on Saturday at the age of 54, prompting a deluge of tributes in his honour.

Liam Dunne, left, has passed awayCredit: Not Known He used to play for Dundalk Dunne, left, played 22 times for PortadownCredit: Not Known

At his peak, Dunne helped the Crusaders to win the NIFL Premiership title twice after first moving to Seaview in 1994.

Club chairman Mark Langhammer led tributes to a man he called a “legend”.

He said: “I can surely say on behalf of everyone who saw Liam Dunne play and knew him at Seaview that we are all in shock at the news he has passed away especially at such a young age.

“Liam was a Crusaders legend having helped us win Championships, Cups and coming back to help the Club out when we where struggling in 2005.

“Anyone who spoke of Liam had only positive things to say about him both as a player and a person.

“The football world has lost a legend. Liam lit up the pitch every game and he left everything on the pitch when he put on a Crusaders shirt.

“Can I on behalf of Crusaders Football Club offer the sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of Liam and our thoughts and prayers are with you all at his passing.

“Liam’s memory will live long in the minds of everyone who saw him play and many who didn’t have that chance to see him will have known about him.”

In addition to his heroics for Crusaders, Dunne plied his trade at a number of clubs north and south of the border.

He started his career with Bohemians while he also won the FAI Cup with Dundalk.

He made 22 appearances for Portadown before returning to Crusaders and helping them avoid relegation and retiring in 2007.

Bryan Hutchinson from Crusaders posted: “Devastated to hear about the passing of Liam Dunne.

“A mainstay of the 90’s team, one of my first heroes.

“Someone I got to deal with in later years at various events and he was always keen to help with pieces for the club programme.”

And Portadown posted: “Everyone at Portadown Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player, Liam Dunne.

“Liam joined the club in 1999 from Crusaders, making 22 appearances and winning a Charity Shield medal on his debut against Glentoran as well as featuring in our UEFA Cup games against CSKA Sofia, before departing in 2000.

“We send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to the Dunne family circle at this sad time.”