IPFBA pays fond tribute to a truly brilliant player who was the inspiration for its inception

The death at the tragically young age of 64 of James (Jacko) McDonagh marks the passing of one of the League of Ireland’s most gifted defenders who proudly represented Ireland, Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers, Nimes Olympic, Derry City, Oxford United and Waragem during an outstanding career.

For the Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association, Jacko’s loss is all the more poignant for it was the onset of his debilitating illness in April, 2022 that triggered the momentum amongst former team-mates and opponents for the creation of the IPFBA in October, 2023.

As Jacko’s family, friends, Shamrock Rovers, Hoops’ fans, ex-LOI players and the wider football community rallied to his aid by raising funds to meet the escalating costs of his medical needs, footballers of Jacko’s generation vowed to create an organisation that would assist former players and their families in meeting health and financial challenges in their lives.

“I wish to express the deepest sympathy of the IPFBA to Jacko’s family and friends on Jacko’s passing at such a relatively young age,” said IPFBA chairman Harry McCue.

“Jacko was a truly brilliant player whose ability saw him win three senior Ireland caps and make the seamless transition to the French League with Nimes.

“His passing is a blow to the Irish game but, most of all, to his family.

“When Jacko was struck down by illness four years ago it was gratifying that so many people in Irish football, including ex-professionals, rallied to his support.

“Tens of thousands of euro was raised to assist Jacko and that prompted a group of former players to begin the process of forming the IPFBA which in just three years has assisted close to 60 ex-pros, men and women, in helping them in terms of dealing with healthcare issues.”

Hailing from Beech Hill in Donnybrook, Dublin, Jacko was recruited by Bohemians’ boss Billy Young for first team duty as a teenager in 1979, with his outstanding performances prompting Shamrock Rovers’ boss Johnny Giles to sign him for The Hoops in the summer of 1982.

Jim McLaughlin’s arrival as manager at Milltown 12 months later ushered in the most successful era in the club’s history as four league titles and three FAI Cup crowns were landed in the four seasons that followed.

Jacko’s performances for Rovers and being capped as a substitute by Eoin Hand against Malta in the 8-0 European Championship qualifier win in 1983 and in the scoreless friendly draws with Poland and Mexico the following year saw Second Division Nimes swoop for him in 1985.

Short spells with Derry and Oxford United in 1987-88 followed before he joined Waragem in the summer of 1988 where he spent three seasons with the Belgian League club prior to retirement in 1991.

May He Rest In Peace.

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• Photo: Jacko McDonagh in his prime with Shamrock Rovers in 1984, captured by Ray McManus/Sportsfile