Eamon Farrell, father of Hollywood actor Colin Farrell, has died after a long illness. The former Shamrock Rovers footballer passed away peacefully on Wednesday, surrounded by his family at Beaumont Hospital.
Tributes have poured in for the sports star, who played for the Dublin club in the 1960s alongside his brother Tommy.
His death notice stated he died “peacefully, after a long illness bravely borne, in the loving care of his family and the excellent staff of the Whitworth Ward, Beaumont Hospital”.
The 83-year-old was a respected footballer in his own right before his son found fame in Hollywood.
The death has occurred of former Rovers player Eamon Farrell.
Eamon joined Rovers in 1960 at 18 years of age from the famous schoolboy nursery club Home Farm.
A half back who was a minor and schoolboy Ireland international, Eamonn played alongside his older brother Tommy during… pic.twitter.com/Jnhihh1nS4— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) April 9, 2025
Eamon Farrell joined Shamrock Rovers in 1960 at the age of 18, having previously played for Home Farm. He was a half back who represented Ireland at minor and schoolboy international level.
During his time at Milltown, Eamon played alongside his older brother Tommy, with both featuring in the team that defeated Shelbourne in the 1962 FAI Cup final. That historic match was played in front of a crowd of 32,000 spectators.
Shamrock Rovers paid tribute to their former player, saying: “Eamon joined Rovers in 1960 at 18 years of age from the famous schoolboy nursery club Home Farm.”
The funeral arrangements for Eamon Farrell include a viewing at his home in Glasnevin on Friday evening, April 11, from 6pm to 8pm for family and friends.
Colin Farrel with his father Eamon
PA
The funeral Mass will take place on Saturday morning, April 12, at 10am at the Church of Our Lady of Victories on Ballymun Road.
Following the service, he will be cremated at Glasnevin Crematorium at approximately 12:20pm.
The family has invited relatives, neighbours and friends to join them in paying their respects to the former footballer.
Many mourners have already shared condolences online, with one writing: “I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.”
Eamon is survived by his wife Eileen and his children Eamon, Catherine, Claudine and Colin.
He is also missed by Rita and his step-children William, Keith, Sandra, Aidan, Deborah, Ciaran and Gary.
His grandchildren James, Ellen, Henry, Stella and Oscar, along with in-laws, partners, nieces, nephews and friends will also mourn his loss.
Eamon was predeceased by his siblings Tommy, Maureen and Sean.
Colin Farrell’s family have issued a statement
PA
The Farrell family has a strong sporting tradition, with Eamon’s brother Tommy also having played for Shamrock Rovers.
Colin Farrell had previously managed a team at Castleknock Celtic FC where his father had been involved.
Colin Farrell had spoken warmly about his father in public, thanking him during his acceptance speech at the Screen Actors Guild awards for his role in The Penguin.
During the speech, Colin acknowledged his parents, saying: “My mum Rita and my dad Eamon, the two people in my life who have made my life so much more special and so much more meaningful and so much more joyful than I ever truly thought possible.”
The Banshees of Inisherin star had previously revealed that as the youngest child in the family, he “got away with more” than his siblings.
“My parents weren’t as hawkeyed with me,” Colin once said in an interview.
Colin had a close bond with his father, who ran a health food shop in addition to his football career.
The actor’s personal assistant is his sister Claudine, maintaining strong family connections.
Colin Farrell is one of Hollywood’s best known actors
PA
Colin grew up playing for Castleknock Celtic FC, where his father served as team manager.
In a touching tribute, one mourner wrote online: “So sorry to hear of Eamon’s passing… He was a great character, may his gentle soul rest in peace.”
The Farrell family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they prepare for Saturday’s funeral service.
Shamrock Rovers concluded their tribute with the traditional Irish blessing: “Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
