Enda McGuill – An appreciation
November 2001
Enda McGuill, whose death took place on Wednesday morning, was without doubt one of the country’s best known soccer legislators.
Legislator
He filled a variety of posts at Dundalk, but it was his services at National level that won him most recognition. Enda first joined his beloved Dundalk in 1971 on the invitation of former director, Joe Larkin. Once he became involved, there was no stopping him and over the next 30 years, he held every office at the club. He was appointed Chairman for the first time in 1986 and served his second term in the chair in 1994 when a new board took over the running of the club.
League involvement
He became involved at national level in 1975 and reached the pinnacle of his legislative career when he was elected President of the League in 1987, a position he held for three years. On his retirement from the Dundalk board, Enda was appointed Honorary member of the FAI and also Honorary Vice-President of the National League.
Phenomenal
Des Denning, Dundalk chairman, said that the work carried out by Mr McGuill in the interests of the club was phenomenal.
“In football terms, he was ‘Mr. Dundalk’. For over 30 years, he gave his life to Dundalk FC at administrative level. Even when he stepped back over a year ago, he still supported the club and was a regular at home matches. His place in the history of Dundalk Football Club is assured.
“On behalf of the club, I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife, Noreen; son, Gerard, and daughters, Bernie and Adrienne, and family.”
Mark of respect
The Dundalk chairman added that as a mark of respect tonight’s (Thursday) home game against Longford Town has been postponed. The game now goes ahead at Oriel Park on Saturday night (7.45).
Tremendous individual
Jim Murphy, who served with Enda on the Dundalk board and was also involved with him on the Dundalk Festival committee, said it was with deep regret he heard of Enda’s passing. “As a man, he was a tremendous individual to work with. His enthusiasm rubbed off on everyone he became involved with and he certainly never had negative thoughts.
“His philosophy was that problems could always be overcome. He set out at resolving them at once, and was always successful in overcoming some difficult tasks.
“Enda made a huge contribution to Dundalk FC and always ensured that the club kept going even in the most difficult of times. Sometimes players wouldn’t have been paid only Enda stepped in and he has to go down as one of the giants in the history of the club”
Huge void
Des Casey, Vice-President of UEFA, was also saddened at the loss of his former colleague.
“I have worked alongside Enda for 40 years and his passing leaves a huge void. We soldiered together through thick and thin both at club and National level.
“He was a very honest and generous man and a wonderful organiser. His contribution was immeasurable and he single-handedly kept the club going through the bad times.
“I extend my deepest sympathy to Noreen and family on their tremendous loss.”
Long friendship
Jim Reilly, President of the club, said that the joined the Dundalk board in 1973 at the request of Enda and the late Charlie McCann.
“Over the year, he worked tirelessly for his beloved club. He was a great worker and great chairman and had a wonderful sense of humour.
“When Jim McLaughlin was appointed player-manager, myself and Enda went to Dublin Airport to meet him. We did not know what Jim looked like and when a man with a walking stick hobbled out onto the arrivals, Enda laughed, ‘Surely this is not our new man!’.
“It’s not every day you come across the likes of Enda McGuill in soccer circles. He always put the club first, even ahead of his own business.”
Former Dundalk manager, Jim McLaughlin, had just arrived in Dubai last week when his son rang him to tell him the news of Enda’s death. Jim had travelled over to the Middle East to take in the Ireland and Iran second leg of the World Cup play-off.
Awful shock
“While I knew Enda was not well, it still came as an awful shock to me, especially as I was so far from home,” said Jim on Tuesday morning, just hours after he arrived back in Ireland
