Shamrock Rovers players gathered today to pay a touching tribute to one of the club's best known fans who sadly died over the weekend.
The death of Declan Keogh - affectionately known as Big Dec - was announced by the club yesterday.
Rovers' players returned to training this morning at their Roadstone base in south Dublin and gathered for a moments applause in memory of the hugely popular
The club said: "An incredibly poignant moment at training today as the players and staff observed a moments applause honouring Big Dec (Declan Keogh) who died yesterday."
The Tallaght side announced Declan's death on social media yesterday, saying: "Today we sadly mourn the loss of one of our own, a legendary Rovers fan known everywhere as Big Dec. He loved this club, we loved him too."
Hundreds of tributes were soon flooding in for the well-known supporter.
Former player Noel Larkin said: "My sincere condolences to his family, I am very saddened by the news.
"I always looked forward to seeing him when visiting Ireland.
"He made me feel so welcome when I played for Rovers, a true gentleman and legend of the Hoops. RIP Dec, will miss you."
Daithi O Duinn wrote: "Big Dec was a constant figure at Rovers, well known by most and loved by many.
"His gentle disposition made an immediate impact on those he met. What an ambassador for the club.
"Fans of opposition clubs held him in high esteem. His passion for the Hoops was unwavering .
"I will remember his singing on the Hoops bus on the way home from away trips for the rest of my life. My condolences to his family and friends.
"A special mention to all his close friends at Rovers, you have lost one in a million.
RIP."
Big Dec was also a huge music fan and regularly attended Aslan gigs around the country.
The band also paid tribute to him yesterday, saying: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of one of our biggest fans & supporters we all knew as Big Dec!
"We will miss seeing you at future gigs! Our sincere condolences to all your family and many many friends. Rest in Peace Dec a true gentleman taken far too soon."
