LGFA President Micheál Naughton's heartfelt tribute to Donna Boyle (née Dunnion)

President of the LGFA, Cllr Micheál Naughton has paid tribute to All Ireland winning footballer Donna Boyle (née Dunnion) who sadly passed away this week.

The 41-year-old teacher had been battling illness for seven years.

Cllr Naughton was manager of the Four Masters Ladies when Ms Boyle captained the team to their first senior title in 2006, and is deeply saddened by her untimely death.

“We knew over the last week that it wasn’t looking good for poor Donna,” he said. “But it was very heart-breaking news to get, to say the least. 

“It is a huge loss especially to Brendan and her two young children, Eoghan and Aoibhinn, her parents Danny and Marion and her brothers Barry and Donal.

“Donna was a woman in her prime; 41 years of age, with a husband and two young kids.

“I have no words to make it any better for them, only that they are in our thoughts and in our prayers.”

Cllr Naughton spoke very highly of Ms  Boyle as a player, leader and role model.

“She accomplished so much,” he said. 

“Donna was my captain when I managed the Four Masters Ladies to their first senior title in 2006 and what a role model she was. 

“When she spoke, people listened. She wouldn’t ask somebody to do anything that she would not do herself.

“She was always a great leader, totally committed when she wore the Donegal jersey.

“When she was on the field, she led everyone on the field. When she walked off, she shook your hand and she was your best friend.

“She gave so much to ladies football and as President of the LGFA I can say that we are grateful for her contribution. 

“Any time she put on a Four Masters or county jersey, she gave it everything.”

Cllr Naughton described Ms Boyle as one of the best defenders in the game. 

“If you got past Donna, you were a great player,” he said.

“The kids she taught were blessed to have her as a teacher, for how she encouraged and inspired everyone around her.

“On behalf of the LGFA I offer deepest condolences to Brendan, Eoghan and Aoibhinn, to her parents Danny and Marion, her brothers  Barry and Donal, and to the extended Dunnion and Boyle families at this very sad time.”