Kevin Sheedy's mother Irene passed away this morning at the age of 81. The Board of Directors, management, staff and players extend their deepest sympathies to Kevin and his family. ""Kevin and his mum were very close and our thoughts are with him at this time,"" Essendon chief executive Peter Jackson said.

""She was a wonderful leader of the Sheedy family and a real inspiration to Kevin. She had that personality that allowed her to talk to people on all levels - something that her son undoubtedly inherited. She will be sadly missed.""