1980 FAI Cup winner Tony Dunphy dies

Waterford  football is today mourning the death of Tony Dunphy, who played at centre-back in the Waterford FC team that landed the FAI Cup back in 1980, after the gentleman off the field and the tough as nails player on the field passed away following illness at the age of 74.

Described by many as a “no nonsense” defender, Dunphy played alongside skipper Al Finaunce in the Blues team that last brought the Blue Riband back to Waterford close to 44 years ago following a 1-0 win over St. Patrick’s Athletic at Dalymount Park.

After lining out at centre back on cup final day, Tony, who was also known as the “Fox”, played the whole second-half with a broken collarbone where he put in a super performance that helped the club to final glory on that famed day.

He first came to the club from Johnville after starting out as a centre forward before injury stopped him playing in that position, but he would go onto play a pivotal role for the club during his long stint at the Blues in the heart of the defence.

A player who always gave his all for the Waterford jersey, the Pearse Park native, who later made Tir Connell Avenue his home, was a player who never shied a tackle and was keen to look out for his fellow teammates on the field of play.

Not one to seek the limelight, Dunphy joined the club in 1972/73 season where he made his way from the reserves to the first-team where he also lined out for the Blues in Europe on seven occasions where he was recognised as a top player.

Held in the highest regarded during his playing days and described as a “warrior”, he was also pivotal in helping the club reach that cup final in 1980 when he scored in the semi-final replay against Limerick before that famed Brian Gardner goal in the decider brought the cup back to Waterford.

Tony, who worked in Waterford Crystal for many years, also played in the Factory League for Crystal, and was well known in the local community until he took ill in recent times. He passed away surrounded by his loving family in the tender and exceptional care of the Oak Ward, University Hospital Waterford.

Tony’s remains will be reposing at his residence at 29 Tir Connell Avenue, Lismore Lawn, Waterford on Friday, February 2, from 4-7pm. Requiem Mass on Saturday, February 2, in St. Paul's Church, Lisduggan, Waterford at 1.30pm, followed by burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ballygunner, Waterford.

He is survived by his wife Anne, daughters Marissa and Orla, son Mark, sons-in-law Joey and Ray, daughter-in-law Erica, adored grandchildren Bill, Beth, Seán, Sadie, Alfie and Ollie, his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, relations, neighbours from Tir Connell Avenue, especially Breda and Dermot and his many friends to whom we offer our deepest and sincerest sympathies.