Community in mourning after death of Gentleman Billy Hearne
The Late Billy Hearne, who has died aged 63. Photo: Noel Browne.
It's with profound sadness and regret that the football family and local Waterford community learnt of the death of De La Salle clubman Billy Hearne, whose contribution to his beloved club and to Waterford Football Club shall never be understated.
The 63-year-old died at University Hospital Waterford on Wednesday, December 4, after fighting bravely in recent years against illness, and his death is widely felt within the local community where Billy worked for the ESB for close to 46 years until retirement last February.
One of nature's gentleman, Billy lived for football and lived for his club. His passion and commitment to the game was incredible whether it be as a goalkeeping coach, a loyal and valued committee man, or an ear to all young footballers.
His involvement with De La Salle for five decades saw him, along with so many others, grow the club including the schoolboy section and it was his love of the game that saw him join Waterford United as a goalkeeping coach and he also worked for many years with the FAI and ETP programme.
He was an enormous figure in unearthing some of the young talent that played for Waterford during his involvement where he worked and coached some of the top goalkeepers to represent the Blues.
Billy was first and foremost a De La Salle legend, but was a Blues' one as well especially during the most difficult final years of Waterford United until the takeover. He remained with the club until his retirement from goalkeeping coaching back in 2021 before concentrating on his beloved De La Salle.
He saw League of Ireland football in Waterford as more than just a club as it brought the local footballing community together and fought tooth and nail for the betterment of the young local players. He took pride in their achievements long after they left the club.
In a club statement, De La Salle chairman David Ahearne said: “It’s with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Billy Hearne.
“It is not an exaggeration to say that Billy was the most influential and inspirational person in the history of our club. In his five decades in the club, Billy was the driving force in the club’s growth as a leader both on and off the pitch.
“Billy was a highly decorated coach and had successfully coached locally, Nationally and Internationally.
However it was in St Patrick’s Park or latterly in Williamstown Complex where Billy was most at home with his beloved club.
“Billy had many outstanding traits and his infectious personality and tremendous sense of humour drew people to him. He was a mentor, an inspiration and most importantly a friend to all of us who knew him.
“We offer his beloved wife Joan, Son Daniel, Daughter Lydia her partner Shayne, Daughter in Law Anna, Granddaughter Giulietta and all his family and friends our deepest condolences . We say goodbye and thank you to Mr De La Salle. Rest Easy Billy.” To his wife Joan, his son Daniel, daughter Lydia, extended family and friends, the league offers their deepest and sincerest sympathies. His contribution to Waterford football was acknowledged with a minutes silence ahead of the Premier Cup Final played at Ozier Park last evening.
Billy will repose at Tom Hennessy’s Funeral Home, Johnstown, on Saturday evening, December 7, from 5pm-6.30pm with removal on Sunday, December 7, for funeral Mass at the Sacred Heart Church, the Folly, at 1pm, followed by burial to St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballygunner.
May he rest in peace.
