Finn Harps mourn death of former club president Patrick Breen

The death is being mourned of former Finn Harps club president Patrick Breen.

Late of Woodlawn, Stranorlar, Patrick passed away on Friday.

Originally from Navenny Street in Ballybofey, he was an ardent follower of Finn Harps and served for a time on the club committee. For a spell in the early 1990s he was the club president.

His fundraising helped keep the club afloat, from selling lottos around the Twin Towns to being the familiar face – and voice – selling half-time draw tickets.

For those of a certain vintage, the distinctive shout “a hundred pound for a pound” was a staple for Finn Park matchgoers.

“Growing up in Ballybofey I got to see the contribution Pat Breen made to the club first hand,” Finn Harps Chairman Ian Harkin told Donegal Live.

“On match night he was ever present with half time draw tickets, his fundraising efforts stood out, from lotto sales to annual draw.

“Pat knew everyone in the Finn Valley. In McElhinney's, every fan in the Finn Valley shopped there and would have asked to be served by Pat to catch up on the latest news from the club.

“He always had a positive outlook and like every volunteer or board member the whole family got roped in to help in one way or another.

“Eileen and Paul had been at the matches on the river bank every week and Evelyn would have been helping out too. Without the help of volunteers like Pat there would be no Finn Harps.

"We are extremely grateful to the Breen family and we share in their grief as we say goodbye to one of our own.”

He was also a familiar face in McElhinney's Stores and at St Mary's Church in Stranorlar, where he was a dutiful collector.

Patrick Breen is survived by his loving wife Evelyn, daughter Eileen, (partner Kieran), son Paul, siblings Teresa, (Michael) and Vinny (Margaret).

His passing will be deeply regretted by his family and friends.

Remains reposing at Mc Cool’s Chapel Of Rest, Ballybofey on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 from 4 pm until rosary at 8pm, with removal immediately afterwards on Sunday night to the Church of Mary Immaculate, Stranorlar to repose overnight. Requiem Mass on Monday July 29 at 11am with interment in Drumboe cemetery.