Tributes paid after death of former Finn Harps Chairman Derek Wilkinson

Tributes have poured in following the death of former Finn Harps Chairman Derek Wilkinson.

A native of Creeslough, Mr Wilkinson passed away on Sunday.

He was deeply entrenched in Finn Harps FC and only stepped down from the club's Board of Directors in December 2021.

He served as the Harps representative to the Football Association of Ireland for two decades until vacating that role back in 2005.

Despite moving to Bray in County Wicklow, where he ran a successful car dealership, in the early 1970s, he never lost his love for Harps. It felt fitting that his last game at Finn Park saw him watch Harps defeat Bray on the Easter Bank Holiday Monday.

Indeed, such was his devotion to Harps, in times of need he was known to dig deep in his own pockets when the club's finances hit a rocky patch. As one former Director put it: “Derek Wilkinson helped to keep Finn Harps in business, no question.”

Mr Wilkison made the fortnightly 250km commute from Bray to Ballybofey. For years, he drove the Dublin-based players to games and was a hugely popular figure around the League of Ireland.

He retired from the motor trade in 2020.

In a statement, the League of Ireland said: “Everyone at the League of Ireland would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Derek Wilkinson who has sadly passed away.

“Derek was the former Finn Harps delegate to the FAI as well as serving the Club's Chairman and will be missed by all.”

Finn Harps FC said: “Everyone at Finn Harps FC is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Derek Wilkinson. A former chair of the club, with decades of stalwart service in various roles, Derek was a true club legend. Suaimhneas síoraí.”

Mr Wilkinson is predeceased by his parents, John and Isobel, and infant brother Ernest. He is survived by his sister Hilary (McNutt), brother-in-law William, nieces Megan and Stacey and her fiancé Keith and grand niece Robyn, relatives and friends.

There will be no wake and the family have asked that the house is private. A service of thanksgiving will be held at St John's Church, Ballymore at 2.30pm on Tuesday with burial afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.