The footballing world came together to pay tribute to Eamonn Dolan on Tuesday.
The funeral service for the Royals Academy Director and one-time caretaker manager, who died of cancer aged just 48, was held at Corpus Christi Church in Wokingham.
Led by Father David O’Sullivan, the requiem mass saw hundreds pack out the church to honour a man who has done so much for Reading FC over the years.
Current Academy players mingled with Royals legends, while a number of first-team players including Paul McShane and Garath McCleary were also present, as was former boss Steve Clarke.
Reading FC announce plans for The Eamonn Dolan Stand
Floral tributes were also paid by some of his former clubs including West Ham United, while Leyton Orient, Liverpool and Derby County FC also laid wreaths.
The Football Association’s (FA) floral tribute included the comments: “Eamonn was a true gentleman in the true sense of the word. He went about his business with a passion and desire to be the best. He was a valued member of the pro licence group, and the wider football family, and will be sadly missed by all.”
Orient’s tribute, from Andy Edwards, noted: “With deepest sympathy. A true gentleman.”
West Ham’s read: “With deepest sympathy, players, managers and staff at West Ham Football Club.”
Liverpool FC’S scouting department left a tribute in the shape of Liverpool’s away kit. “He will [be] sadly missed. RIP Eamonn,” read its tribute.
A Royals-themed floral tribute, in the shape of the famous hoops kit, was left by the ‘Academy boys’. They said, simply: “From all the boys. Thanks for everything. Can’t put into words how much you mean to us all. You will always be in our thoughts.”
The mass, led by the priest of the Sturges Road church, opened with the hymn Christ Be Our Light and included Scripture readings and prayers. There was also opportunities for the congregation to pay tribute to Eamonn.
The service concluded with the hymn Walk In The Light.
Afterwards, there was a reception at Cantley Park Hotel in Milton Road.
Donations in Eamonn’s memory can be made to Action Bladder Cancer UK or Cancer Research UK via Miles & Daughters funeral directors. For more details, call them on 0118 979 3004 or log on to www.milesfunerals.com
