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02 Mar 2026

Dundalk football community pay tribute following death of Ciarán Bond

Tributes by Dundalk FC, Muirhevnamor FC, Quay Celtic, and Na Piarsaigh/Blackrock CLG

Dundalk football community pay tribute following death of Ciarán Bond

Dundalk football community pay tribute following death of Ciarán Bond. Photo by Sportsfile

The Dundalk sporting community have paid tribute following the death of Ciarán Bond for his contribution to local football. Ciarán served as Club Chairman at Dundalk FC during one of the club's most successful periods.

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Dundalk FC posted on social media:

“Everybody at Dundalk Football Club would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of former Chairman, Ciaran Bond, who passed away on Saturday.

“Ciaran played an important role during a hugely successful period in the club’s modern history. For all who knew him, it was Ciaran’s passion for his local community that stood out most.

“His contribution over many years to Muirhevnamor FC left a lasting mark.

“Dundalk Football Club extends its sincere condolences to Ciaran’s family, friends and all at Muirhevnamor Football Club at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”

(DKIT President Denis Cummins, Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny, Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill, and Dundalk FC Club Chairman Ciarán Bond in 2014. Photo by Sportsfile)

Ciarán was Club Chairman of Muirhevnamor FC.

“We are deeply saddened to inform everyone of the sudden passing of our Club Chairman, Ciaran (Skinny) Bond. It is difficult to put into words the immense impact Skinny had on our club and the wider community. He truly saw and did it all.

“From the earliest days to the modern successes, he stood at the forefront of every major development within Muirhevna Mor FC, filling every role that was ever asked of him with pride and passion.

“Skinny’s love for the club began as a player. He was part of the famous 1988 final contested between two Muirhevna Mor teams - a moment etched forever in club history. His commitment never faded.

“In later years, he was instrumental in forming our Winter League, Summer League and MDL teams. Success followed in all three, and he laid foundations that would carry the club forward for decades.

“Championships and cups came regularly - and Skinny celebrated every single one, whether by lifting them high, kissing them proudly, or enjoying a well-earned drink from them.

“He also dedicated countless years to managing underage teams. Many of those players went on to achieve success in the League of Ireland and beyond. He took pride in every single one of them.

“Skinny was known for his generosity. He would do anything for anyone connected to the club. Sponsoring kits, organising meals and celebrations for teams - these were regular acts of kindness.

“Some would say his pockets ran deep, but his heart ran deeper. He gave his all to this club and never hid the fact that Muirhevna Mor FC was his pride and joy.

“True to form, Skinny spent his final weekend in Galway, cheering on our u12’s for the second time in three weeks. That was just who he was. He loved every facet of this club.

“He sang louder than anyone, chanted prouder than anyone, and if you had never heard of Muirhevna Mor FC before meeting Skinny, you certainly would after one of his history lessons.

“As we mourn this heartbreaking loss, we also celebrate the legend that was Skinny Bond. We may never see the likes of him again, but we are forever grateful that we got to witness him, to know him, and to share in his passion.

“Thank you for everything, Skinny. You loved this club with all your heart - and the club loved you just as much.

“The club wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the Bond Family at this difficult time. Funeral details will be announced later. Rest easy, Chairman.

“Where are the lads who stood with me when history was made.”

(Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, left, Former Dundalk FC Chairman Ciaran Bond, centre, and Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú, TD in 2020. Photo by Sportsfile)

Quay Celtic FC paid tribute.

“On behalf of everyone at Quay Celtic FC, we extend our deepest condolences to Muirhevna Mor FC on the sad passing of your chairman, Ciaran 'Skinny' Bond.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone at Muirhevna Mor FC during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.“

Na Piarsaigh/Blackrock CLG also paid tribute.

“All at Na Piarsaigh/Blackrock CLG would like to offer their deepest condolences to both the Bond family and the wider Muirhevna Mor FC community, following the passing of their Chairman, Ciarán Bond.”

“'Skinny' was an integral part of the Muirhevna Mór and Dundalk footballing community, and a real man of the people. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and those closest to Skinny. May he rest in peace.

“Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dílis.”

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