The late Dick Finn The town of Claremorris was shocked and saddened recently by the passing of 53 year old Dick Finn of Facefield, Claremorris. Dick, who passed away in London, was well-known in the locality and indeed across the region. Dick attended St Colman's College in Claremorris in the 1970s and was a useful gaelic footballer, doing his school team proud on many occasions. Football was a passion for Dick and as well as playing with St Colman's, Dick was a crucial member of the Mayo Gaels team in the '70s. In fact, he was fullback on the side that lost to Carramore in the South Mayo Junior Final of 1977 - a game that attracted a huge attendance. In the '77 final, Dick was given the difficult task of marketing Fr JJ Cribbin, the former Mayo player, who was based in Taugheen at the time. And, following his efforts, Dick was named the Mayo Gaels Player of the Year in 1977. Dick learned his trade in plastering while working with Paddy Prendergast from Dromady. And, in 1980, he moved to London where he lived up until his death. In London, Dick was popular with everyone he encountered and the experience he gained while in Dromady served him well. Dick was a perfectionist and when he set out to do a job, he made sure he did it properly. As a result, he was always in huge demand in construction circles in London. Dick also loved to fish and whether at home in Mayo or over the in UK, he was happy spending hours on end sitting by a river or on a lake with fishing rod in hand. Although Dick had made a home for himself in London, he continued to look forward to his trips back home and he enjoyed meeting up with old friends and neighbours, as well as with the members of his family - a family well known and regarded in the region. When he got time to relax, Dick loved to watch Fr Ted on television and, as a result, he could quote lines from many of the episodes of the popular series. It was fitting therefore that one of the gifts brought up in the offertory was a video of Fr Ted. Whether in Mayo or in London, Dick was always surrounded by people he loved and who loved him in return. He was a great son, brother, partner, uncle, cousin, nephew, neighbour and friend. Dick had a great sense of humour and he was a joy to be around. Dick's remains were flown home to Knock Airport and interment took place in Mayo Abbey cemetery following Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Austin Fergus, PP. Dick was predeceased by his father, James and by his sister, Anne. He 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); inlaws; nephews and nieces; uncles Tommy Brady (Mace) and Jimmy Brady (Colchester); aunts Irene and Rita (Chicago) and Nuala (Kinawley, Fermanagh); relatives, neighbours and friends. Sympathy is extended to the Finn family at this sad time. May his soul rest in peace. - Western People, 11th November 2008 Tweet

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