FAI pays tribute to Fran Ray
Fran’s service to the game of football in Ireland across many decades, allied to his wonderful sense of humour, will be sadly missed by all of us and we can only offer our utmost appreciation for Fran’s contribution to football, particularly schoolboy football where Fran was to the fore of its growth and development.
FAI General Manager Noel Mooney said: "We all knew Fran as the key person in growth of the Dublin and District Schoolboy League, which went on to become the biggest schoolboy league in Europe.
"His love of the beautiful game and his determination to grow football were clear. His work was always carried out in great spirit and with his sharp wit evident for all to see.
"He played a significant role also in the growth of football across our country through his many years representing the DDSL on a national level through the SFAI. Fran had been ill for some time and unfortunately today he left us, surrounded by his loving family. May he rest in peace."
Republic of Ireland Assistant Manager Robbie Keane paid tribute to the late Mr. Ray.
"I have have known Fran since I was a kid and he was such a great part of the DDSL for so many years. He was always a great friend of football and he was a true gentleman. He will be a big loss to Irish football", said Keane.
Republic of Ireland Manager Mick McCarthy said: "I met Fran many times over the years, and I’ve always known of his great commitment to schoolboy football, not just in Dublin, but in Ireland."
The FAI would like to offer our deepest condolences to Fran's wife Sandra, his son Alan and daughter Lindsay, to all his immediate family members and to the Dublin and District Schoolboy League.
CAPTION: Fran Ray (front row, centre) is pictured with the DDSL side after they won the Kennedy Cup in 2018.