Flood was well known throughout Irish football for his role as chairman of Shelbourne as they came within 45 minutes of reaching the UEFA Champions League in 2003. He played for the club as a goalkeeper from 1959 to 1962.

The FAI presented Flood with Hall of Fame award at the FAI Cup Final in 2011, recognising his fabulous contribution to Irish football.

He also enjoyed a remarkable  career outside of the game. Born in Dublin’s Oxmantown Road in 1938, he joined Guinness as a messenger boy at the age of 14 and progressed through the organisation to become Managing Director in 1989.

In 1994, Flood retired from Guinness and was appointed Deputy and later Chairman of the Labour Court, where he was associated with the resolution of many high-profile disputes. On retirement from the Court, he later became chair of the Regeneration Boards at Fatima Mansions, St Michael’s in Inchicore, and the Grangegorman ‘Labour and Learning Forum’ established in Dublin 7.

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) conferred the award of Honorary Doctorate on Finbarr Flood in 2012 in a ceremony held in St Patrick’s Cathedral.

"I am greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Finbarr Flood. He was a tremendous servant to Irish football and Shelbourne FC in particular," said FAI CEO John Delaney.

"I dealt with Finbarr on many occasions and always found him to be a passionate and knowledgeable football man. His achievements in and out of the game were extraordinary and he'll be very sadly missed.

"We will pay tribute to him at the Oman game next month and I pass on the condolences of the FAI to Finbarr's family and relatives."

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Removal on Tuesday evening to John’s Lane Church arriving for 5pm. Funeral on Wednesday morning after 10am Mass to Mount Venus Cemetery, Rathfarnham. No flowers by request, donations, if desired, to the Jack and Jill Foundation.  House private.