The DDSL is very sad to hear of the passing of Des McAleenan, a former player with Stella Maris as well as coaching their young goalkeepers during visits back home. Not many people will have heard of Des but in footballing terms, his coaching story is second to none. Des was goalkeeping coach to the Colombian national men's team working under their Portuguese and former Manchester United and Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz.

Des, who is from Artane in Dublin, spent many years living and working in the US and worked alongside managers Bob Bradley, Bruce Arena and Juan Carlos Osoria. He also worked with, amongst many others, US goalkeeper Tony Meola as well as Tim Howard playing a big part in his move to Manchester United from MLS club MetroStars (now known as New York Red Bulls). He also coached at Saudi Arabia's most famous club Al-Hilal.

Last year he gave a fascinating insight to his life in an interview with OTB Sports and you can watch and listen to that story by Clicking Here (from 27 minutes onwards)

We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends. Ar dheist Dé go raibh a anam dílis.