The Football Association of Ireland was saddened today to learn of the death of former Republic of Ireland international Sean Fallon.

Sligo native Fallon will go down in history as one of the greatest names in Celtic FC’s history. He passed away aged 90 and the Sligo native’s contribution to the Glasgow giants was immediately recognised.

Fallon, who won eight caps for Ireland, played with Celtic from 1950 to 1958, playing as a full-back and centre forward, and made 254 appearances, scoring 14 goals. He won a Scottish League medal, three Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup with the club before retiring through injury.

He later became assistant manager to Jock Stein – including the 1967 European Cup triumph in Lisbon - and was also acting manager of the Parkhead side. His managerial partnership with Stein saw the club win nine League Championships, eight Scottish Cups and six League Cups. The Bhoys were also beaten in the 1970 European Cup Final by Feyenoord and appeared in four semi-finals during the Fallon and Stein reign.

Sean started his football career with St Mary's Juniors and also played GAA for Craobh Ruadh. He also played for McArthurs, Sligo Distillery, Longford Town, Sligo Rovers and Glenavon. He also managed Dumbarton.

FAI President Paddy McCaul said: “Sean was a icon of Celtic FC and will forever be linked with all of their greatest glory days. He was a huge influence on the development of the club. He had a top class career in Ireland before he went away. I met him at a function in Longford a couple of years ago and his knowledge of the game was incredible. I was pleased to present Sean’s son with his outstanding international caps in his native Sligo last year. He is a sad loss to football.”

FAI CEO John Delaney said: “Sean Fallon was a tremendous football man who contributed so much to the game at the highest level. I met him when we brought together all the former international players for the first international game at Croke Park in 2007. He was one of the oldest living players at that time and it is a sad occasion for Celtic FC, Sligo Rovers and Irish football. My condolences to his family.”