The footballing world mourns the death of Jim McLaughlin, one of the most illustrious managers in the history of Ireland’s league, who passed away at 83 years of age. Hailing from Derry, McLaughlin’s managerial credentials boast a record-breaking eight Ireland League titles with clubs including Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City, and Shelbourne. His trophy cabinet also holds six FAI Cups as a manager, and one from his playing days.
As a player, McLaughlin represented Northern Ireland 12 times, performing as a forward, and notably netted twice in a match against England.
The loss of this Ireland League stalwart prompted the League of Ireland to issue a statement, extending heartfelt condolences and expressing profound sympathy to McLaughlin’s family, friends, and to his previous clubs where he left a significant mark both as a player and a manager.
Mark Scanlon, the Director of the League of Ireland, voiced his deep sadness in losing a man of Jim McLaughlin’s stature. He described McLaughlin as a true legend of the Ireland League whose accomplishments in the game have been unparalleled. He celebrated McLaughlin not only for his exceptional football career but as an extraordinary individual, whose presence will be sorely missed in the Irish football scene. Scanlon conveyed sympathies towards McLaughlin’s family and friends on behalf of the FAI and the League of Ireland in these challenging times.