Tributes to Mayo soccer stalwart on his passing

THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED

Tributes are being paid by members of Castlebar Celtic to Frank Foy, McHale Road, Castlebar, whose death has taken place following illness.

A post on the club's social media platform said everyone at the club "is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, supporter and lifelong club member Frank Foy."

"The place won't be the same without him."

The club extended sincere condolences to his family at this sad time.

Many tributes are being paid to him on the club's Facebook page.

Joe McDonald, club chairman, said as long as he has been walking through the gates of Celtic Park, Frank has been a pillar of the club.

"He was a gentleman and a great friend," he added.

Ioseph O'Reilly, club captain, described Frank as "one of the good ones."

"He will be missed around Celtic Park, one of a kind."

Jordan Loftus, a member of the club's senior men's squad, said it is a very sad day for Castlebar.

"He was one of the most unique characters and Celtic Park won't be the same without him."

Mick Dwyer, a former club treasurer, said Frank was a dedicated Celtic man and was part of the furniture at Celtic Park for a lifetime.

"He will be sorely missed," he added.

In a tribute, Conn Rangers FC described Frank as 'a true gentleman, a real football man and a proud Celtic man.'

As well as being a lifelong supporter, Frank was a former coach and administrator with the club.

He was also a founder member of the Mayo Branch of the Manchester United Supporters Club.

In his early 70s, Frank was a retired member of the staff of Allied Irish Bank, Main Street, Castlebar.

Predeceased by his parents Jimmy and Bridie Foy, he is deeply regretted by his sons James and Harry and their mother Jan, brother Cyril (Galway), sister-in-law Teresa, nephews John and Adam, niece Rebecca, grandnieces, Fiadh, Iona and Ayla, cousins, relatives, former collegues in AIB Castlebar, neighbours and his many friends in Castlebar Celtic, to whom sympathy is tendered.

Frank's remains will repose at Coady’s Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5 until 7 p.m. with removal to The Church of The Holy Rosary, Castlebar via Celtic park.

Requiem Mass takes place on Thursday at 1.30 p.m. with interment afterwards in the New Cemetery, Castlebar.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.