Former Antrim footballer Anto Finnegan dies aged 48
September 19, 2021
The late Anto Finnegan. ©INPHO/Presseye/Darren Kidd.
Former Antrim footballer Anto Finnegan has died at the age of 48 following a brave battle against motor neurone disease.
A cornerstone of the Antrim team between 1994 to 2005, the St Paul's Belfast clubman was diagnosed with MND in August 2012.
In 2013, Finnegan made the decision to go public in the hope of raising awareness of the neurological condition and he founded the deterMND trust which has generated significant funding for MND research.
As part of his fundraising efforts for deterMND, an Ulster All-Star selection took on Dublin managed by his close friend Jim Gavin in a historic 'Game for Anto' match at Ravenhill in November 2014.
St Paul's, Belfast released a statement last night confirming the sad news of Anto's death.
"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," the statement said.
"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
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