Tributes paid to former Ireland international John Dempsey who has passed away aged 78

Capped 19 times for Ireland between 1966 and 1972, the centre-half made his breakthrough at Fulham before moving to Stamford Bridge in 1969, as he finished his career in the League of Ireland with Dundalk in 1984.

But in 1970 his name went down in Chelsea history as the London native was part of the side that clinched a first FA Cup in the club's history after a famous (and at times brutal) final and replay triumph against a Leeds United side which included Johnny Giles and Jack Charlton.

More silverware followed in 1971 as the Blues lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup for the first time under Dave Sexton, with Dempsey scoring in their final replay victory over Real Madrid in Greece, one of just seven goals he scored across his 207 appearances for Chelsea.

After nine years he then departed the west London club in 1978 and spent time at Philadelphia Fury before finishing up at Dundalk where he was player/manager for six months. In later years he worked as a carer for those with learning difficulties in north London.

Although he could have played for England like many of his Chelsea teammates, he opted to declare for Ireland through his Kildare mother and Waterford father - becoming one of the first players to put on the green shirt through the 'Granny Rule'.

His debut came in 1966 against Spain while he also appeared in qualifying campaigns for the 1970 World Cup and 1972 European Championship across his 19 caps. He was also the first Ireland player to receive a red card in a 1969 defeat to Hungary.

In an exclusive interview with the Irish Independent last February, Dempsey spoke of just how much representing Ireland meant to him and his parents.

"I wanted to play for Ireland because of my parents. I made that decision and never regretted it at all," he said.

"I loved every minute of it and my parents were proud as anything. Obviously, they have passed away now, but when they were both buried I made sure that each coffin had one of my Republic of Ireland shirts on top of it. That was important to me.

"When they went into the ground it really made me cry, but I knew by doing that they would be really happy. I'll never forget that. Without them, I wouldn't have done all the things I have done."

In a statement this morning, Chelsea paid tribute to their former defender and FA Cup winner.

"It is with tremendous sadness that Chelsea Football Club announces the passing of our former centre-back and FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup winner John Dempsey. He was 78," said the club.

"All at Chelsea send our heartfelt condolences to John's wife Trish and all his family and friends at this difficult time.

"He was a regular at gatherings of former Chelsea players at Stamford Bridge where his warm and generous personality shone through."