The death has occurred in Dublin of Con Lynch, a leading figure in the development of Irish hockey on the international front in the 1970s. Lynch became the first national team manager in 1969 as a new approach got under way, and the following year Ireland were among the 19 participants in the inaugural European Cup in Brussels.

With his attention to detail and admirable efficiency, Lynch went on to manage the Irish squad for 12 years. He resigned from the post in 1981 following the Olympic Games controversy which threatened to split the Irish Hockey Union. The issue eventually was resolved to his immense satisfaction. After Brussels, he was involved in two more European championships and, most memorably, managed the side which won the Santander eight-nations tournament in 1972 as well as the team which took silver in the 1977 Intercontinental Cup in Rome.

There followed the experience of Ireland's first World Cup participation in Buenos Aires. The down-to-earth Dubliner also was a pioneer figure in two tours to South Africa. While strong on discipline, Lynch was popular and much respected by his players.

He enjoyed success on the field as a stalwart of the Lorraine team which won the Irish Junior Cup in 1971. He died on Tuesday, aged 68.