Former Everton defender Mick Meagan has died at the age of 88.
Meagan passed away on Sunday after a long battle with illness. The defender made 177 appearances and scored one goal during a 14-year stint at Goodison Park.
Meagan, who grew up in Dublin, was signed by Everton in 1952 after appearing in a match against a Liverpool district team in his hometown. He was part of the Blues side that secured the first division league title in 1963 and also won the Charity Shield the same year.
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Meagan won 17 senior caps as a player for the Republic of Ireland, with the Dubliner also representing Drogheda United, Shamrock Rovers and Bray Wanderers during his playing career.
And after hanging up his boots, Meagan was appointed the Republic of Ireland's first-ever manager in 1969 as senior players demanded an end to the old selection committee approach.
Paying tribute to Meagan, FAI President Gerry McAnaney said: “We have lost a truly great Irish football man with Mick’s passing.
“Mick was a history maker with our international team, he contributed so much to Everton, Huddersfield Town and Halifax Town in England and across the League of Ireland during his time as a player and a manager.
"Our thoughts are with all the Meagan family and their many friends at this difficult time. At dheis De go raibh a hanam.”
While Pat Devlin, head of football at Bray Wanderers, also paid tribute to Meagan, saying: "All at the club - both past and present - are saddened to learn of the passing of Mick Meagan.
"He was both a player and manager of the team back in 1973 in the LSL. We have lost a legend, and an absolute gentleman."
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