Finn Valley AC mourns death of joint club president Patsy McGinley

Finn Valley AC is in mourning following the death of joint club President Patsy McGinley.

Late of Ballylast, Castlefin, Patsy immersed in Finn Valley AC from the club’s formative days in the early 1970s. Patsy gave a lifetime of unstinting service to the club and as well as being joint President alongside Peadar McGranaghan, Patsy was also a trustee.

Patsy was among the leading men behind the purchase of the old tool factory in Stranorlar, which became the Finn Valley Centre we know today.

In later years, alongside Patsy McGonagle, Conor McGonagle and Peadar McGranaghan, he was very proactive in engaging with Donegal County Council regarding the siting of the swimming pool at Finn Valley.

Patsy, who worked as a bus driver in the Finn Valley area, was ever-present in support of events, from setting up cross-country courses to aiding the deliver of various events and traipsing the country in support of Finn Valley AC teams and athletes. Many of the McGinley family were involved in successful cross-country teams at county, provincial and national level.

“Patsy McGinley was the very embodiment of Finn Valley AC,” Finn Valley AC chairman Dermot McGranaghan said. “From its earliest days, he gave his time, energy and wisdom selflessly, always putting the club and its people first. 

“His quiet determination helped shape not only our facilities but the spirit of community that defines Finn Valley AC to this day. Patsy never sought recognition, yet his influence is woven into the success the club has enjoyed over more than five decades. 

Patsy McGinley with Kieran Carlin and Peadar McGranaghan

“On behalf of everyone associated with Finn Valley AC, I extend our deepest sympathies to Margaret and the entire McGinley family. We have lost a true gentleman and a key figure from our club.”

Finn Valley AC founder Patsy McGonagle said: “Patsy was a loyal and committed member of Finn Valley AC since the earliest days. He was wholly involved in every aspect of the club. 

“As we built and progressed, Patsy was with the development step-by-step as a very active member. He was very highly regarded and will be very sadly missed.”

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Finn Valley AC extened sympathies to his wife Margaret, their children Mary, Majella, Kevin, Raymond, Paul, Angela, Geraldine and Aidan, 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren as well as the wide circle of family and friends.

Patsy McGinley’s funeral Mass will take place on Sunday afternoon, July 11, at 1pm at St. Columba’s Church, Doneyloop, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.