Four-time All-Ireland-winning Dublin footballer Anton O'Toole has passed away after an illness.
O'Toole (68) made his senior debut for the Dubs in 1972 and won his first Celtic Cross in Kevin Heffernan's maiden campaign, starting at corner-forward in the 1974 victory over Galway.
Nicknamed 'The Blue Panther', the talented forward played in six All-Ireland finals in a row from 1974 to 1979, four of them against Kerry as an enduring rivalry took hold.
He won Sam Maguire in '76 (against the Kingdom) '77 (Armagh) and '83 (Galway), in addition to eight Leinster titles and two National Leagues, and was a three-time All-Star.
His last appearance for Dublin was in the 1984 All-Ireland final defeat to old foes Kerry.
O'Toole later managed his club Templeogue Synge-Street.
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GAA President John Horan was among the many people who have paid tribute to O'Toole following his passing.
"The Dublin team of the 70s was responsible for breathing new life into the GAA in the Capital. That team created a surge of interest and popularity in Gaelic games in Dublin that has gone from strength to strength right through to the present day.
"Anton O'Toole was an integral part of that iconic team. A great player, a great sportsman and a great ambassador for club and county.
"He had an army of football admirers throughout Dublin but, also far beyond, and our thoughts are with his family and many friends who mourn the loss of the Templeogue Synge St and Dublin GAA legend.
"Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas síoraí dá anam."
Former Dublin players Eamon Fennell and Mossy Quinn have also paid tribute to O'Toole's memory.
Eamon Fennell
I was very fortunate to have met Anton O'Toole lots of times over the last few years. Like the rest of the lads from the 70's, he was a gentleman. They helped shape the culture of today's @DubGAAOfficial team and Anton was a huge part of helping shape that #RIPTheBluePanther 💙
— EamonFennell (@EamonFennell) May 17, 2019
Mossy Quinn
I was lucky to see Anton in Croker earlier this year. A great man & great Dub 💙 https://t.co/idb6lxlX1O
— Tomás Quinn (@mossyquinn) May 17, 2019
Brian Fenton
Moments like this happen too rarely. You couldn’t write it..
— Brian Fenton (@BrianFenton08) May 17, 2019
RIP Anton
💙 https://t.co/pQCRAvLXhd
Paul Clarke
Had the joy of watching him play and admired so much how he kicked points for fun in his own special way. That joy turned to fun and enjoyment as he got the small white ball around the golf course again in his own special way. He was not Tiger but the Blue Panther. Legend 🧦💙🏌️♂️
— Paul Clarke (@ClarkePaul1995) May 17, 2019
