Eamon Deacy 1958-2012 R.I.P.

Everyone associated with Aston Villa mourn the sudden death of former player Eamon Deacy, who died of a heart attack in his home town of Galway in Ireland on Monday 13th February 2012.

For everyone who knew him, Eamon was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. His generosity of mind, spirit and soul knew no bounds and in the modern vernacular, he was a true 'diamond'.

Just one example of this was his willingness to drive six and a half hours from the west to east coast of Ireland to play for the Aston Villa Old Stars in an evening match at Dundalk FC. After giving his all for 90 minutes, he politely turned down the offer of a hotel room for the night, had one glass of coke, then drove back to Galway. "I can't stay, I've to open the shop in the morning" was his reply to our attempt to persuade him to stop-over. Yet it was Eamon who couldn't stop thanking us for providing him the opportunity to wear the claret & blue kit once again and play with the 'lads'.

Eamon had many memorable moments in his football career. He was one of just 14 players that won the League Championship for Aston Villa in 1981. He scored the first-ever goal for Galway Rovers in the League of Ireland in 1977. And he was capped 4 times for the Republic of Ireland international team in 1982.

Eamon played for Aston Villa from 1979-1984 before returning home to play for Galway United until 1991, for whom he refused to receive any payment to play! Yet another measure of this most decent and honest of men.

Among the mourners at Eamon's funeral in Galway on Friday 17th February will be former teammates Gordon Cowans, Tony Morley, Colin Gibson and Ken McNaught, who take with them the thoughts and condolences of everyone connected to Aston Villa FPA & Aston Villa FC.

Our world has lost a diamond but the heaven's have gained another star. Memories of Eamon will linger long and brightly.

R.I.P.