Former Republic of Ireland Midfielder Alan McLoughlin Passes Away

Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Alan McLoughlin has passed away at the young age of 54 following a battle with cancer. In March, McLoughlin announced that the cancer had spread to his kidney, chest and lung.

9 years ago, McLoughlin underwent a successful operation on a kidney tumour but the illness returned this year. He represented the Republic of Ireland from 1990 to 1999 and scored a famous goal to send the country through to the 1994 World Cup against Northern Ireland in Windsor Park in Novermber 1993.

The FAI extended their sympathies to the McLoughlin family this afternoon on their official Twitter account.

McLoughlin was included in the 1990 and 1994 World Cup squads and won International Player of the Year award in 1996. He made 42 appearances in the green, white and gold with the last of those coming against Macedonia in 1999.