Death of Philip Finnegan
Cavan County Board GAA offers its deepest sympathies to Gerry, Ann, Marion Rosie and the extended Finnegan family on Philip’s untimely passing. Philip first came to prominence in the GAA as an exciting corner forward playing on the Cavan minor team that won the Ulster championship in 1974 defeating a strong Derry team in the final in Clones. Cavan beat London in the All Ireland quarter-final in Croke Park but they lost the semi-final to Mayo at the same venue.
Philip was passionate about his club Cavan Gaels and Cavan GAA in general. He was the ‘true blue’ and he was very proud of the many achievements of his uncle Eugene from Mountnugent, a famous Cavan player of the 1930s and 1940s. Despite a huge involvement with his club Cavan Gaels both as a player and an administrator Philip also worked tirelessly for the GAA at county level. He served as PRO of Cavan minor board from 1992 until 2001. During this time and for years afterwards he worked to promote the game at youth level encouraging clubs to adopt modern models of coaching and best practice. On match days he was a welcoming host in the press box in Breffni Park and later Kingspan Breffni Park, helping to oversee the arrangements and making the ‘Press’ and visitors very welcome. He made many friends throughout the GAA and he enjoyed nothing more than a deep discussion on the welfare and fortunes of the game both in his club and in his county.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
By Susan Tue 31st Aug
