TRIBUTES HAVE POURED in for the late Anto Finnegan, the former Antrim footballer who has passed away.
Finnegan had been diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease. He spent several years raising awareness about the disease and helped to raise funding for the deterMND charity, which he founded.
In November 2014 a charity GAA game took place at the home of Ulster Rugby in Belfast between Jim Gavin’s Dublin team and an Ulster All-Stars selection, to help raise awareness of Motor Neuron Disease.
Finnegan’s club St Paul’s paid tribute to him.
“It is with the upmost sadness that we learn of the passing of our friend, former player, coach, mentor & ambassador Anto Finnegan. This world has lost a fine man.
“Our deepest sympathies to Alison, Conall, Ava & the Finnegan & Dowdall families
“Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal.”
It is with the upmost sadness that we learn of the passing of our friend, former player, coach, mentor & ambassador Anto Finnegan. This world has lost a fine man.
— CLG Naomh Pól, Béal Feirste ⭕ (@StPaulsGAC) September 18, 2021
Our deepest sympathies to Alison, Conall, Ava & the Finnegan & Dowdall families
Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal ♥️ pic.twitter.com/UtwvH4rxZS
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Antrim footballer Anto Finnegan.
— GPA (@gaelicplayers) September 19, 2021
Deepest condolences to his family, friends and all at St. Paul’s GAA and Antrim GAA.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. https://t.co/X0CgNP93Ek
Derry All-Ireland winner and GAA pundit Joe Brolly paid tribute to Finnegan.
With Anto in 2013, shortly after his MND diagnosis. He said to me once “There’s nothing to be sad about, I have a great life.” pic.twitter.com/hn9tY439gY
— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) September 18, 2021
Sympathies were also expressed by different GAA figures in tweets.
“Rest In Peace Anto Finnegan,” said Dublin midfielder Brian Fenton.
“Legend doesn’t do him service. #NPA”
Rest In Peace Anto Finnegan.
— Brian Fenton (@BrianFenton08) September 18, 2021
Legend doesn’t do him service. #NPA pic.twitter.com/ByQjdhQryr
“Just received a text that has brought a tear to the eye,” said former Derry forward Paddy Bradley.
“So sorry to hear about the passing of Anto Finnegan…christ he marked me in the early 00′s in those epic battles in casement. He battled right to end. A top top gael. Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam.”
Just received a text that has brought a tear to the eye. So sorry to hear about the passing of Anto Finnegan...christ he marked me in the early 00's in those epic battles in casement. He battled right to end. A top top gael. Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam
— Paddy Bradley (@PaddyB14) September 18, 2021
“Enjoyed many a story with this man about @AontroimGAA the North and my Dad,” said Dublin defender Philly McMahon.
“A pleasure to cross paths, a man that will be sorely missed but that’s left a legacy anyone would be proud of. RIP @AFinn73″
Enjoyed many a story with this man about @AontroimGAA the North and my Dad. A pleasure to cross paths, a man that will be sorely missed but that's left a legacy anyone would be proud of. RIP @AFinn73 💛 💙 pic.twitter.com/at0eMW58Pr
— Philly Mc Mahon (@PhillyMcMahon) September 19, 2021