Lamh Dhearg and Antrim GAA were saddened today by the passing of Frankie Wilson. Former team-mate and close friend Paul Buchanan pays tribute to a great Gael and all round sportsman

Frankie was one of nature’s true gentleman.  A charismatic personality who enjoyed life to the full. He was always bubbling with enthusiasm and confidence and was very witty who loved a bit of banter. A very committed Gael, versatile, talented, and passionate sportsman who was widely respected among the sporting and school community.

Frankie was always courteous and always had time for you. He had a very benevolent nature and was always willing to help others.

Frankie joined the club as a 17-year-old along with his cousin Paul McCabe from Derriaghy. He enjoyed a very successful and distinguished career with club and county. He was a key member of our first ever winning county Minor Football championship in 1988, won a SFC medal in 1992 and 3 senior league titles. He demonstrated his commitment to the club by travelling up from Derry to train and play for many years.

He was a very skilful, fit, and athletic footballer. He had a trusted “left peg “and was an unbelievable passer of the ball and delivered the ball with precise accuracy. He was a very astute and creative player, and great reader of the game. Frankie was a prolific scorer from a dead ball and from open play. He won BBC’S Championship man of the match against Donegal, All Ireland champions in 1993. His fitness and athleticism were reinforced as he also enjoyed a successful Irish league soccer career in conjunction with his county and club careers. When Frankie retired from senior, he loved playing in over 35’s, over 40s and County Masters’ tournaments where he showed he didn’t lose much of his guile and craft.  He had the unique talent of talking and playing a good game.

Frankie was a very proud family man and derived great satisfaction and joy from watching his brother Greg and Luke playing for the club and his daughters  Ella and Lisa playing for St Galls. Two of his proudest moments was playing with cousins Colm and Paul McCabe on the county team as they were like brothers and supporting Luke in the Féile in Monaghan in 2017.

In his early years at the club Frankie revelled in coaching at our summer camps and participating in the recreational activities with the children. In recent years he has always willing accepted invitations to be a guest coach at many teams at all codes and levels in the club. At the sessions Frankie used his vast knowledge and expertise to enhance the quality of coaching and the sessions were so beneficial to the coaches and players. He was also an active participant in our Tour deFitz in horrendous weather conditions, but his fitness and resilience helped him overcome the conditions and complete the arduous route to Croke Park.

Frankie participated in our Red Hand Journeys during Lockdown telling his story of life in the club and his journey clearly personified his commitment and passion for the club and sport. In recent years he volunteered at Darkness into Light and along with friend Michael McCloskey were like concierges warmly welcoming many visitors in to the club prior to the early morning charity walk.

Recently Frankie was deservedly inducted into the Club Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifetime commitment and sterling service to the Lamh Dhearg club.

Frankie was always competitive and possessed great self-belief and he used these attributes admirably as he courageously battled against his illness. He will be sorely missed by his family and his many sporting friends and Our Lady and St Patrick’s College Knock Community where he was held with such high esteem, respect and popularity.

Frankie what a man! The best way for us all to remember and honour Frankie is that he enriched all our lives and remember the many good times and memories he brought us.

We would like to express our sympathy to Frankie’s wife Tara and children, Ella, Luke and Lisa, his parents Frank senior and Briege, sisters Colette, Delores, Brigene Regina and brother Gregory and family circle.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time.

May Frankie rest in peace.

 Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Frankie playing in the Irish League against Linfield