Tributes have poured in following the death of former Crusaders and Portadown midfielder Liam Dunne, who has been remembered as “a beautiful, kind and generous man”.

Dunne began his career at Bohemians and also spent time on the books of Scottish outfit St Johnstone and Dundalk, where he won an FAI Cup crown.

During his time in the Irish League, Dunne collected two Premiership titles after joining the Crues in 1994 and went on to make 22 appearances for Portadown, representing the Co Armagh club on the European stage.

He returned to Seaview for a second stint, helping Crusaders achieve promotion back to Northern Ireland’s top-flight before announcing his retirement in 2007.

placeholder image — Former Irish League midfielder Liam Dunne has passed away. (Photo by Pacemaker)

Dunne sadly passed away on Saturday aged 54 and Crusaders chairman Mark Langhammer paid tribute to a club “legend”.

"I can surely say on behalf of everyone who saw Liam Dunne play and knew him at Seaview that we are all in shock at the news he has passed away especially at such a young age,” he said. “Liam was a Crusaders legend having helped us win Championships, Cups and coming back to help the Club out when we where struggling in 2005.

"Anyone who spoke of Liam had only positive things to say about him both as a player and a person. The football world has lost a legend. Liam lit up the pitch every game and he left everything on the pitch when he put on a Crusaders shirt.

“Can I on behalf of Crusaders Football Club offer the sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of Liam and our thoughts and prayers are with you all at his passing.

"Liam's memory will live long in the minds of everyone who saw him play and many who didn't have that chance to see him will have known about him."

Portadown FC posted: “Everyone at Portadown Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player, Liam Dunne.

“Liam joined the club in 1999 from Crusaders, making 22 appearances and winning a Charity Shield medal on his debut against Glentoran as well as featuring in our UEFA Cup games against CSKA Sofia, before departing in 2000.

“We send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to the Dunne family circle at this sad time.”

Dunne served as an ambassador to Sports Chaplaincy Ireland, who have remembered him as a “diamond of a friend”.

"We are all devastated this morning to hear of the passing yesterday of our dear and special friend Liam Dunne,” they posted on Facebook. “Our hearts are broken for Liam’s family and our prayers today are for Jennifer, Jack, Sam and Kate, for Liam’s Dad and his sisters and the wider family whom he loved so dearly and who were ever in his conversation.

“As a professional footballer he represented Bohemians FC, St Johnstone FC, Crusaders FC (winning 2 Irish League titles), Portadown FC and Dundalk FC (winning an FAI Cup) with distinction and he was selected for the Irish League representative team.

"He was a brilliant footballer. Our hearts go out today also to his former teammates or those who knew him in football

“Liam was a diamond of a friend - a beautiful, kind and generous man whose life had been transformed in recent years when he placed his trust in Jesus.

“As an ambassador for sports chaplaincy he played regularly in our golf days and attended sports chaplaincy get togethers becoming a dear friend to everyone he played with or met, sharing with them during interviews his story and the truth and grace of Jesus in both sports and church settings alike.

“In O’Connell Street in Dublin, he could regularly be found with his friends from All Nations church either helping to feed the homeless or spending time listening and engaging with anyone and everyone about life.”