The death has been announced of the former Sligo Rovers defender Andy Spring.
His passing was announced on Monday by one of his former clubs Bristol Rovers.
He was 56 years of age.
Spring played for Rovers in the 1986/97 season and helped the club reach an FAI Cup semi-final that year.
He was part of the Rovers team which drew with Shamrock Rovers in the last ever game to be played at Shamrock Rovers home ground, Glenmalure Park, in Miltown.
He also had spells with Drogheda United and Longford Town.
Spring played for Coventry, Cardiff City and Bristol Rovers prior to his move to Ireland.
After retiring from football Spring took over Johnny Mac's pub in Collooney, which he managed for a number of years before returning to England.
His son Aaron is a noted rugby player with Sligo and previously played for Connacht and Ireland under-20 teams.
