Tributes Paid To Paul Bannon

Cork City and Cobh Ramblers are in mourning today following the passing of Paul Bannon.

The Dubliner passed away last night at the age of 59.

Bannon signed for Cork City in 1989, and scored the winning goal against Shelbourne in 1993 that won the league title for City.

He then signed for Cobh Ramblers, playing 60 times for the Rams.

A centre forward early in his career before becoming a centre half, Bannon started out with Nottingham Forest as a youth, before signing with Brigend Town.

He then signed with Carlisle United, scoring 45 goals in 140 apperances over 5 years.

Spells with Bristol Rovers, Cardiff City and Plymouth Argyle followed, before he headed to the continent with Dutch side NAC Breda in 1986.

Bannon spent a year with PAOK and another year with Larissa in Greece, before heading home to Ireland to link up with City.

Tributes have been pouring in for Bannon on Twitter, led by his former clubs:

Our condolences to the Bannon family on the death of Paul Bannon, a league winner with the club in 1992-93 #CCFC84 pic.twitter.com/DTbGm22b80

— Cork City FC (@CorkCityFC) February 16, 2016

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of former player Paul Bannon following his recent passing. May he rest in peace.

— Cobh Ramblers FC (@CobhRamblersFC) February 16, 2016

Absolutely shocked to hear the passing of Paul Bannon . Superb player and character #rip

— Stephen Henderson (@HOTSHOTZ2) February 15, 2016

Gutted to hear Paul Bannon has passed away. Great coach & one of the funniest characters I've met. Have some great memories of him. R.I.P.

— Kevin Long (@kevinlong28) February 15, 2016

Centre forward or centre half Paul Bannon was THE MAN. Always enjoyed his football and his company. Awesome v @FCBayern #rip @CorkCityFC

— Tony O'Donoghue (@Corktod) February 15, 2016

Very sad 2hear d news of 1 of my ex coaches Paul Bannon passin away,he helped me a lot,legend of a man &an absolute gr8 character. Rip Paul.

— Colin Falvey (@falvey32) February 16, 2016

Absolutely gutted to hear that Paul Bannon has passed away, top coach&above all else an absolute gent of a man, he will be missed. RIP Paul

— Danny Walsh (@dan___walsh) February 16, 2016

Highlights from the 1993 league decider, with Bannon scoring the winner

Pic via http://irishfootballersineurope.blogspot.ie/2013/04/paul-bannon.html