Tributes pour in for late De La Salle stalwart Billy Hearne

"It’s with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Billy Hearne. It is not an exaggeration to say that Billy was the most influential and inspirational person in the history of our club. In his 5 decades in the club, Billy was the driving force in the club’s growth as a leader both on and off the pitch. Billy was a highly decorated coach and had successfully coached locally, nationally and internationally - However, it was in St Patrick’s Park or latterly in Williamstown Complex where Billy was most at home with his beloved club. Billy had many outstanding traits and his infectious personality and tremendous sense of humour drew people to him. He was a mentor, an inspiration and most importantly a friend to all of us who knew him. We offer his beloved wife Joan, son Daniel, daughter Lydia, her partner Shayne, daughter-in-law Anna, granddaughter Giulietta and all his family and friends our deepest condolences.