Colin Farrell's father Eamon has died following a long illness.
Eamon Farrell, a former Shamrock Rovers player, passed away "after a long illness bravely born" at Beaumont Hospital yesterday.
Taking to social media, Shamrock Rovers paid tribute to Eamon, who played for the club during the 1960s, alongside his brother, Tommy. In that time, Eamon featured on Rovers' 1962 FAI Cup winning team, with Tommy winning a league and cup double with the club in 1964.
"Eamon joined Rovers in 1960 at 18 years of age from the famous schoolboy nursery club Home Farm", Shamrock Rovers wrote. "A half back who was a minor and schoolboy Ireland international, Eamonn played alongside his older brother Tommy during his time at Milltown. Both were on the team that beat Shelbourne in the FAI Cup final in 1962 played in front of an attendance of 32,000".
Eamon's son Colin Farrell, had previously said that he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and become a footballer, having played for his local side, Castleknock Celtic.
"I played until I was about 15 and I thought it was what I wanted to do. And then I realised I'd do something less meaningful – like acting", Colin said as a teenager.
Back in February, Colin Farrell won Best Actor at the Screen Actors Guild Awards for his performance in The Penguin.
In his speech, Farrell paid tribute to his parents, Rita, Eamon and family.
"My mom, Rita, my dad, Eamon, and the two people in my life who have made my life so much more special and so much more meaningful, so much more joyful than I ever truly thought possible - my son James and my son, Henry", the actor said.
Eamon Farrell is survived by his wife Eileen, and his children Eamon, Catherine, Claudine and Colin. He is also missed by Rita, as well as step children, William, Keith, Sandra, Aidan, Deborah, Karl, Ciarán, and Gary.
His funeral takes place on Saturday (April 12) in Glasnevin, Dublin.
