Former Shamrock Rovers centre-half Jacko McDonagh has died at the age of 64. The club confirmed the passing of the defender, who was the first member of the historic 1980s four-in-a-row team to die.
McDonagh joined the Hoops in the summer of 1982 and played a key role in the 1984/85 season when the club secured the League of Ireland and FAI Cup double. He was also part of the side that beat Dundalk in the 1983 Dublin City Cup final at Dalymount Park, the first trophy of the Jim McLaughlin era.
Before his time at Rovers, McDonagh made his senior debut with Bohemians after coming through the Shelbourne youth setup. He earned three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland under manager Eoin Hand. After the double-winning season, he departed for French club Nîmes Olympique and later played for Belgian side KSV Waregem.
The news comes as the current Shamrock Rovers side, sitting second in the Premier Division with 59 points from 31 games, prepare for their next fixture. They host Drogheda United on 9 October, looking to improve on a recent run of one win in their last five league matches.
McDonagh's funeral will be held at Donnybrook Church at 1pm on Friday, 25 September.
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