Eunan ‘Busty’ Blake who has passed away following an illness. Requiem Mass will be held today for him
REQUIEM Mass will be held at lunchtime today, Saturday, May 12, for Derry City cup winning legend Eunan ‘Busty’ Blake.
Mr Blake died on Wednesday following an illness.
He is predeceased by his sister Eileen (Derry) and brother Harry.
Deeply regretted by his loving wife Katie (née Daly), devoted father of Gary, Tony, Brenda Sheridan and Karen Logue, brother Liam (Ard Colmcille), sisters Mary Greene (McMahon Villas) and Rosie Oates (Sligo), daughters-in-law Caroline and Rhona, sons-in-law Don and Alistair, grandchildren Adam, David, Cian, Emily, Matthew, Natalie, Davin, Amy and Erin, in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. R.I.P.
Reposing at his home.
Funeral from his home today, Saturday, 13th May, going to St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny for 1.30 pm Requiem Mass.
He will be laid to rest afterwards in Conwal Cemetery.
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu, if desired, to St. Eunan’s Residents Comfort Fund c/o Paschal Blake, Funeral Director, Stoney Arch, New Line Road, Letterkenny.
Eunan played, coached and managed at League of Ireland level.
He was an IFA Cup winner with Derry City over 50 years ago when he was part of the famous Derry City side which won the 1964 Irish Cup defeating Glentoran at Windsor Park.
He also played for Sligo Rovers and Finn Harps, while he managed both Athlone Town and Finn Harps.
Eunan was assistant manager at Athlone Town in 1975 when they drew 0-0 with AC Milan at St Mel’s Park in the UEFA Cup.
He had over 20 years in senior football and he won six inter-league caps for the League of Ireland team.
In one of those games, Eunan played on the Irish team that drew 0-0 with an English League select and a team that included internationals like Jimmy Armfield and Denis Violett, and in 2011 he was inducted into the Donegal Sports Star Awards’ Hall of Fame.
‘Busty’, as he was more affectionately known, served his native Letterkenny Rovers club in various roles during his lifetime including as a player, coach, manager, trustee and honorary life member.
Letterkenny Rovers Chairman Dessie Kelly led the tributes to the late Mr Blake.
“Busty was a dedicated football man who gave so much of his time to the club,” he said.
“He was hugely respected throughout the game having enjoyed a distinguished career as a senior footballer and manager.
“The club was always close to his heart and his loss will leave a huge void not just for his much loved family but for everyone who knew him.
“He will be sadly missed.”
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