He played with Bohemians for a season, while he also became active in the IRA. He was strongly associated with Michael Collins and joined the pro-Treaty forces, becoming a major-general in the National Army at the age of 24.

In 1924, while Dalton was Clerk of the Seanad, he was elected president of Bohemian FC. He later became a film producer.

Dalton lived in Drumcondra and Phibsboro and he will be the subject of a talk by Des Gunning during Phizzfest on 5th May.

The devastating effect Ireland’s property crash had on the club’s finances is well-documented and Devaney acknowledges that if it wasn’t for Brien’s determination to tackle spending, negotiate with creditors and rally troops when the future looked ominous, a 123-year-old institution could have been lost.

Devaney said: “As I mentioned at last week’s AGM, all members and fans owe a huge debt to Chris Brien for his selfless, thankless work over the past few years.

“I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to state that without him, we wouldn’t have a club – or at least the club as we know it.

“He mightn’t always get the recognition he deserves but the sacrifices he made over the recent past to ensure the club survived have been incredible.

“They have not gone unnoticed by those of us who have worked closely with him during this time and I know it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the membership in general, who I hope are extremely appreciative of his efforts.

“He has epitomised the true meaning of a members-owned club and its volunteer ethos by listening to everyone’s opinion, rallying the fans when needed and at all times carrying himself with great dignity.

“I hope to carry on in much the same vein and while we still face great difficulties, the pathway has been cleared somewhat by Chris’ sterling work.”

In the first of three early-season meetings with UCD, the Gypsies hope to lay down a marker with McEvoy determined to make an impression in the league and improve on last season’s seventh-place finish.

He said: “We’re going to have a go at the league and we have no fear after last season.

“It’s an overall better squad this year and if we could beat Shamrock Rovers and the like last season I don’t see why we can’t have a good go this year.

“I’d be massively disappointed if we don’t improve on last season. The lads that have come in are hungry and they know what it’s about.

“Everybody is fighting for positions, so you have to be on your toes all the time. It’s good that we’re all pulling in the same direction.”

The 22-year-old has had a bright start to pre-season and while he insists the fans should not get too carried away, he reckons this squad is better than last year’s.

McEvoy added: “We’re back six weeks now and we’re flying. It’s good to be scoring goals considering the slow start we had last season.

“We have a good base and it’s not thrown together like last year and I think we’ll be really disappointed if we’re not doing well right from the start.

“We feel capable of doing a hell of a lot better this year and we felt last year we didn’t do ourselves justice in the end.

“Personally I’m fit and happy enough with how I’m doing. I’m in a lot better shape than last year and I’m buzzing to be back – it’s going to be a big year.”

“That was a very good game against Hardwicke. We were very lively and I’m happy with what I saw.

“It was the first game for a lot of those players, Dave Mulcahy being one, and at this stage it’s about giving game time to everyone in the squad.

“It’s all starting to take shape now. We’ve had a really good pre-season so far and the fitness levels are good. It’s about fine-tuning our tactical organisation now.”

With the loss of key centre-backs Kevin Feely and Evan McMillan to Charlton and Sligo Rovers respectively, Callaghan has had plenty of tinkering to do to find the right balance at the back.

Dave Scully has been tested at centre-back in recent weeks and Callaghan reckons the 28-year-old could be an option in the heart of defence alongside the experience of Stephen Paisley, a closed-season capture from Shelbourne.

Callaghan said: “Dave has played centre-back before – he was playing there when he went to Carlisle United. He’s a threat from set-pieces too and I think he is quite capable of playing in both positions.

Early-season illness and injuries are a concern for the Gypsies boss, however, as both Karl Moore and Shane Murray were forced to sit out Monday’s game.

He said: “Injury-wise, Shane has a viral infection and Kevin Devaney has an ankle problem.

“Karl Moore,who started pre-season well, has an infection too so he has been off for the last 10 days.”

Callaghan saw new signing Paisley net twice in Wednesday’s emphathic win and reckons the 29-year-old’s experience could prove vital at Dalymount Park this year.

He added: “Stephen makes a difference. He’s scored goals from centre-back all through his career.

“When we lost Kevin and Evan, we lost a bit of height. We needed to get a bit of that back – as well as some experience – so we waited and got Stephen. I’m delighted he has signed.”

And in an article in last weekend’s Sunday Independent, Kasey was described as having had “a revolutionary proton beam treatment, plus chemo, radiotherapy and a cocktail of drugs, which has brought about a dramatic difference in her MRI scans.”

Mum Michelle told the Sunday Independent: ”Her scan in September showed that the tumours had grown in size and the cancer cells were in her spine. But the one in November showed that her spine was clear and the tumours had shrunk dramatically in size, which was just amazing.

“The doctors were delighted, and even though none of us knows what’s down the line for her, Kasey is so strong and she really is such a little fighter. It’s hard being away from everyone, and it’smgreat when our friends and family visit.

“My mam and brothers came over for Christmas and my grandparents will be over again in March, and that makes a huge difference.”

Kasey fight continues. It is intended that she will begin a stem-cell transplant, using cells harvested from her several months ago. During this period, she will be in isolation for six weeks and will be subject to high doses of chemotherapy.

Michelle added: “I’m dreading it as Kasey will be very sick during this process, but it’s vital.

“She is coming along great now. She has her hair back — it sticks out everywhere so she looks like Liam Gallagher — and she stands and is trying to walk, although her balance isn’t great.

“She is beginning to eat a bit, which is brilliant as they said that her swallow was paralysed back home, but they’ve discovered here that it was just lazy rather than paralysed. She is still fed through a line in her stomach, and I”m trying to build her up as she will lose weight during the transplant.”

To learn more of Kasey’s brave battle, tune into TV3′s Ireland AM this morning (programme starts at 7am) or catch up afterwards on the 3player, which is available online and through UPC’s On Demand service. 

• To donate to the Kasey Kelly Trust Fund, visit www.mycharity.ie/charity/kare4kasey/ or www.kare4kasey.com. You can also text Kasey to 57802. Texts cost €3 (1x €2 and 1x €1) 18+. SP Phonovation Ltd. Helpline: (0818) 217-100. €1.91 ex VAT will go to Kare4Kasey.