The Galway native had stepped away from his position as Galway United assistant manager at the start of August for health reasons.
Horgan arrived at the club as John Caulfield’s number two before the 2023 League of Ireland season, helping to guide the Tribesmen to a First Division title win and promotion to the Premier Division.
Prior to his spell at Eamonn Deacy Park, Horgan managed Finn Harps for 354 games from 2013 until 2022, leading the club to two successful promotion campaigns from the First Division.
Harps spent six seasons in the top-flight under his stewardship and reached an FAI Cup semi-final in his first season.
Away from football, Horgan was a maths teacher at St Eunan’s College in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, a role he maintained despite his various coaching roles across the country.
He was also involved as a coach at Donegal side Fanad United prior to joining Finn Harps, winning Ulster Senior League titles in 2006, 2007, and 2011.
Ollie Horgan has passed away aged 57. Photo: Sportsfile
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Thursday, August 28
Horgan also managed the FAI Schoolboys and various school teams at St Eunan’s.
In a touching tribute, Finn Harps FC said, “Everyone associated with Finn Harps is deeply saddened by the passing of former manager Ollie Horgan.
“Ollie arrived at Finn Park in 2013 and over the course of nearly a decade left an indelible mark on the club’s history.
“During his tenure he guided Harps to an FAI Cup Semi-final, two promotions and secured the club’s best league finish in twenty years in 2020.
“His relentless determination, work ethic and passion saw the club defy the odds to compete in the Premier Division in six of Ollie’s nine years at the helm, resulting in many magic nights at Finn Park and across the country.
“A man of great integrity and resolve, Ollie’s contribution to Finn Harps and Irish football will never be forgotten.
“The thoughts of everyone at Finn Harps FC are with Ollie’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Galway United also paid tribute to their former assistant manager, saying: It is with immense sadness that Galway United share the news of the passing of Ollie Horgan.
“A legend of the game across Ireland, Ollie joined the Galway United family ahead of the 2023 season and has been instrumental in the club’s success ever since.
“On behalf of everyone at Galway United, we would like to offer our deepest condolences to Ollie’s loving wife Anita, his children Emma, Anthony, Brendan, Conor, David, his sister Mary, his brother Gerard and his extended family and friends. Ollie was predeceased by his mother Bernie, father Joe and brother Martin.
“Leaba i measc na naomh agat a chomrádaí.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh anam uasal Ollie Horgan.”
Conor McCormack, who captained Galway United to the First Division title in 2023 described Horgan as a “true gentleman” and a “vital” part of the squad’s success story.
“His contribution and kindness will never be forgotten,” he added.
Horgan was known as one of the league’s stand-out characters and was renowned for his tireless work ethic and dedication to the sport, often travelling hundreds of kilometres to scout opposing sides prior to facing them.
One of those opposing teams, Dundalk FC paid tribute to Horgan, who they said was a “true pillar” of the League of Ireland football community.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. His contributions and achievements have left a lasting legacy, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
“We will have a book of condolences at Oriel Park tomorrow night in our club shop, for those who wish to pay their respects,” they added.
Sligo Rovers, who are local rivals to both Finn Harps and Galway United, also paid tribute to Horgan, “whose passion, dedication, and commitment to football left a lasting impact. His knowledge and determination brought out the best in his teams.
“Above all, Ollie will be remembered as a man of integrity who gave his all to Irish football,” they added.
Many Irish footballing figures and fans have also taken to social media to pay tribute to a manager who was involved in several historic nights across the country.
Irish sports commentator Con Murphy paid tribute to a manager with whom he had many interactions throughout the years.
“One of the few managers who offered to make me tea 20 mins before kick-off! [He was suspended at the time in fairness!] RIP Ollie.”
Other League of Ireland clubs, with whom Horgan enjoyed many memorable nights over the years, have also paid tribute to the iconic manager.
“Such sad news. Gave us Harps fans some great nights. Legend,” one fan commented.
Another tribute said the League of Ireland community has been “rocked” by the news, saying: “Remembered as a real character on the sidelines and in the media, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Ollie helped nurture young Irish talent during his time as the Ireland schoolboys’ manager, while he went on to perform heroics at Finn Harps.
“57 is no age to go, but Horgan leaves behind many wonderful memories and a true legacy as a LOI cult hero,” they added.
Funeral details for Horgan have yet to be announced.