Dick Finn, Facefield, Claremorris, who died recently in London, was a member of a well-known family in the region. He was 53, and news of hi sudden passing was received with sadness and regret throughout his home region. Back in the 1970's, Dick was a noted footballer and lined out with St Coleman's College on numerous occasions. He had a great fondness for gaelic football and it was an interest that stayed with him all his life. He was a stalwart member of the Mayo gaels team in that decade and was full back on the side that lost to Carramore in the South Mayo Junior Final of 1977, a game that attracted a near record attendance because of the real local derby nature of the clash at the time. On that day, he had the task of marketing Fr JJ Cribbon, the former Mayo player, who was based in Taugheen at the time. Other stalwarts of the Carramore team at the time were JJ Costello and Ger McHugh. Dick was the recipient of the Mayo Gaels Player of the Year award in 1977. He worked for a few years with paddy Prendergast from Dromady and learnt the plastering trade in those times. In 1980, he moved to London where he resided ever since. The experience he gained back home served him well and he was much in demand in the construction business, where he gained a good reputation for the neatness and the quality of his work. When Dick undertook a job, he always insured that it was well done. Over the years, Dick had a great love for fishing and spent many happy hours by the river and lake banks in both England and here at home. Karate was a sport that he had an interest in for many years and he attended numerous karate classes in London. He always enjoyed his regular journeys home to Facefield, meeting friends and neighbours, especially his long time friend Ger Griffin, and catching up with family members. He had a great bond with his nephews and nieces and they always looked forward to his visits. One of his favourite television comedy shows over the years was 'Fr Ted.' He was an avid follower of the series and had memorised many of the lines and quips from the popular series. It was perhaps fitting that one of the gifts brought up in the offertory was a video of 'Fr Ted', a series that gave him so much joy and laughter during his years in London. Dick was a great character who always brought a sense of humour and merriment to any gathering. People enjoyed his company and always loved to meet up with him on his trips back home. Condolences are extended to the Finn family and the extended family circle on their great loss. Dick's remains were flow home to Knock airport and internment took place in Mayo Abbey cemetery, following Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Austin Fergus, PP. Dick, who was predeceased by his Father James, and by his sister Anne, is survived by his partner Millie; mother Mary (nee Brady); sisters Mary Teresa Mulkeen (Birmingham), Carmel Mcguinn (Crossmolina), Sal (Castlebar), Martina Gillespie (Breaffy) and Pauline (Dublin); brothers Jimmy and Noel (Facefield); in-laws, nephews and nieces, uncles, Tommy Brady (Mace) and Jimmy Brady (Colchester); aunts, Irene and Rita (Chicago) and Nuala (Kinawley, Fermanagh); relatives, neighbours and friends. -MC Mayo News, 7/10/08 Tweet

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