Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Staff reporter

Joe Brolly leads tributes to "living legend" former county star and schoolteacher

Tributes have poured in following news of the passing of ‘living legend’ Frankie Wilson after a long battle with illness.

Wilson, 52, was current manager of Banbridge Town football club and he had also managed the Northern Ireland U18 Schoolboys side.

The St Pat’s, Knock (Belfast) schoolteacher had been in charge of Sport & Leisure Swifts, Lurgan Celtic and Bangor over the years. As a player Wilson was a defender for Cliftonville, Carrick Rangers, Ballyclare Comrades, Omagh Town and Bangor, representing all clubs with distinction.

Read next: Niall Quinn fulfils decades old promise to mum as he graduates from DCU

The Hannahstown man was also a former Antrim GAA star and was only recently made a Hall of Fame recipient at the Lámh Dhearg CLG club. Wilson also played for the Antrim Masters team.

Wilson played at senior level for Antrim in the 1990s and early 2000s and was man of the match when the Saffrons faced reigning All-Ireland champions Donegal in Ballybofey in 1993. Antrim lost the game but Wilson scored four points in an incredible display.

Former Antrim footballer Frankie Wilson in action back in 2001 (Inpho)

Antrim GAA posted: “We send our heartfelt condolences on the sad news that former Antrim Gael Frankie Wilson has sadly passed away after a great battle with illness.

“Deepest sympathy to his family and friends from all of us and everyone throughout the county. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

GAA hero and pundit Joe Brolly also took to social media to share his devastation at the loss.

“Gutted at the death of Frankie Wilson. An incredible sportsman, he played Irish league and Gaelic football at the top level. Coached the NI u18s & every school team at St Pat’s Knock where he was a living legend. A wonderful human being. So full of life.”

Bredagh GAC added: “Frankie provided so much support & enriched the lives of our young people in Bredagh GAC. We will always be grateful. Sending our deepest condolences to the Wilson family, friends and all at OLSPCK. RIP.”

The Antrim Masters account shared: “Antrim Master and gentleman Frankie Wilson passed away this morning after a great fight against his illness. Frankie had a smile for everyone and was a great footballer that would have graced any county team. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends from all of us past and present... Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”

Antrim goalkeeper Chris Kerr also took to Twitter to say: “Terribly sad news. Super fella. Thinking of his family, and friends & all connected with Frankie.”

READ NEXT:

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.