FORMER BOHEMIANS AND Sligo Rovers footballer Robbie Brunton has died at the age of 47, following a battle with illness.
The Dubliner enjoyed a colourful career on these shores most notably with Bohs and Sligo, though he spent stints at several other clubs in both the League of Ireland and the Irish League — and also enjoyed a short spell at Stoke City in his younger years.
Brunton also played for Dundalk, Coleraine and Derry City during the 1990s and early 2000s.
The Irish football community is in mourning after his sad passing, with heartfelt tributes being paid.
“We are absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of our much-loved former player Robbie Brunton at the age of just 47,” Bohs — the Dublin club at which he spent two seasons from 1998 to 2000 — wrote on Twitter.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Celine, and sons Ryan and Darragh, both of whom are Junior Gypsies and attended games with their father.”
“Sligo Rovers are saddened by the death of former defender Robbie Brunton at the age of 47,” Rovers added. “He played 60 matches and scored three goals over two seasons with the Bit O’Red and made a big impression at The Showgrounds. May he RIP.”
The Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland [PFAI] also penned some nice words.
“So sad to hear this morning the passing of our former management committee member Robbie Brunton. Robbie had a distinguished playing career with most notable Sligo Rovers and Bohemian FC.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Celine and his family and friends. RIP Robbie.”
We are absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of our much-loved former player Robbie Brunton at the age of just 47.
— Bohemian FC 🔴⚫ (@bfcdublin) October 1, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Celine, and sons Ryan and Darragh, both of whom are Junior Gypsies and attended games with their father. 💔🖤 pic.twitter.com/fiSoHcBcRh
Sligo Rovers are saddened by the death of former defender Robbie Brunton at the age of 47.
— Sligo Rovers (@sligorovers) October 1, 2020
He played 60 matches and scored three goals over two seasons with the #bitored and made a big impression at The Showgrounds.
May he RIP. https://t.co/0EgcgObcUO #bitored pic.twitter.com/QzPGItFqfl
So sad to hear this morning the passing of our former management committee member Robbie Brunton. Robbie had a distinguished playing career with most notable @sligorovers and @bfcdublin. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Celine and his family and friends. RIP Robbie 🙏⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ySjjKH2Ad2
— PFA Ireland (@PFAIOfficial) October 1, 2020
#ColeraineFC is saddened to learn of the passing of former player Robbie Brunton.
— Coleraine FC (@ColeraineFC) October 1, 2020
Robbie arrived in the 1996/97 season and helped the Bannsiders win the Ulster Cup, as well as a second placed finish in the Irish League.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. pic.twitter.com/rTOINDTiJa
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!