A Tribute to Castlebar Celtic's Jeremy Dee

All at extratime.ie today pay tribute to Castlebar Celtic coach Jeremy Dee, who tragically passed away on Sunday following a car accident as he travelled to Dublin for his side’s WNL fixture against Shamrock Rovers.

The shocking news has stunned the Irish football community as a whole; in particular those involved in women’s football and of course all members, friends and family at Castlebar Celtic.

Jeremy’s role at Castlebar Celtic F.C. was monumental – as the club's Women's Development Officer he worked tirelessly and selflessly for the women's programme through numerous capacities; underage and senior women's manager and coach, administrator and promoter amongst others. Above all he was a friend and advisor to all involved at the club. In essence Jeremy Dee was Castlebar Celtic, for there is little doubt that without him, the club's senior side would not have gained entry to the WNL nor progressed in the steady manner which it has done in the last twelve months.

His contribution to girl’s and women’s football in Mayo through the years has been truly superb – the growth in names from the west of Ireland gaining international caps providing testament to his exertion behind the scenes.

Other projects gifted with his efforts included the Connacht girls Emerging Talent Programme, and Milebush Park, where he served as supervisor for a number of years. His commitment to the ground’s meticulous setup was typical of a man who did not just ‘get things done’; he completed tasks with constant adherence to the highest standards possible.

As yesterday afternoon’s shocking news emerged, social media and radio have been inundated with heartfelt words of praise, respect and recognition. Words and phrases such as ‘gentleman’, ‘remarkable’, ‘committed’, ‘a true pioneer of the women’s game’ have been reiterated by many involved in Irish football.

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney has described his death as “an enormous loss to the development of women’s football in Ireland”. Those who experienced Jeremy’s work in football will know of his commitment and professionalism, and those who encountered the Mayo man personally will know also of his genuineness, his compassion, his infinite good nature.

His pioneering, his promotion,

His dedicated and selfless devotion.

Infinite positive qualities attached to his name.

Irrepressible passion for the game. For the women’s game.

He didn’t shout, he didn’t scream.

Quiet retrospect – his team, his white and green.

For Castlebar, for Mayo, for Connacht, for Ireland too,

He gifted us with his wisdom and opportunities to pursue.

R.I.P.:

Castlebar Celtic’s Champion:

Mr. Jeremy Dee.