Former Dublin footballer Brian Mullins.
Former Dublin midfielder Brian Mullins has died following a short illness.
Widely regarded as one of Gaelic Football’s greatest players, Mullins enjoyed a glittering career with club and county.
Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy, a former team mate of Mullins from their time in Thomond College in Limerick, said: “Be it on or off the field Brian Mullins was a towering presence, a natural leader and was the embodiment of actions speaking louder than words. He is rightly regarded as one of the greatest Gaelic footballers of all time and holds a legendary place in the hearts of Dublin football fans.
“My deepest sympathies to his partner Elizabeth, his family, his many friends and his colleagues in St Vincents.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.”
A Dublin GAA statement said: “In the recent past it has been often said that Dublin teams stood on the shoulders of giants. Today we lost one of those giants. Brian Mullins was a colossus and a Dublin GAA legend.
“Whether in the blue and white of St. Vincent's or the sky blue of Dublin, Brian was a dominant force who inspired his team-mates. Majestic fielding, perpetual motion, clever and accurate in possession, and capable of getting vital scores – he was indomitable with an iron will to win.
“Brian helped light the touchpaper that reignited Dublin’s fire almost 50 years ago. It is with great sadness that he has left us today but the memory of his deeds will live in the hearts and minds of Dublin supporters, and indeed well beyond the county lines, forever.
“Dublin GAA convey their condolences to his family, former team colleagues, both club and inter-county, and friends.”
Only 19 years-old when his St Vincent’s clubmate Kevin Heffernan made him a lynchpin of the Dublin midfield.
He went on to be recognised as an all-time great, a spectacular high fielder with great passing ability.
He won All-Ireland senior medals in 1974, 1976, 1977 and 1983 the last All-Ireland won after he had recovered from serious injuries suffered in a car accident. He was an All-Star in 1976 and 1977.
Brian Mullins
His determination and defiance in battle set him apart and he was a totemic figure and a Hill 16 hero.
He won an All-Ireland club medal with St Vincent’s in 1976
A schoolteacher he was joint Dublin manager for a time in 1986 and later managed Derry to an Ulster senior title in 1998.
Upon his return to Dublin, he was immersed with St Vincents and was Director of Sport in UCD.
A St Vincent’s statement said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Mullins. An absolute colossus in St Vincent’s. There’s so much to say about the man, and we’re all still processing this. We’ll honour him in the coming days.”