A FORMER Antrim gaelic footballer and ex-Irish League player has been remembered as a "much loved and respected figure".
Frankie Wilson, who was the current manager of Banbridge Town football club, passed away aged 52 following a cancer diagnosis.
The father-of-three from west Belfast had only been diagnosed eight months ago.
Tributes were paid to Mr Wilson, who was head of PE at Our Lady and St Patrick's College in Belfast, with many describing him as a "well-known and respected".
The Lámh Dhearg club-man played for Antrim in the 1990s and early 2000s. He only recently made a Hall of Fame recipient at the Lámh Dhearg CLG club.
His Irish League career saw him play for Cliftonville, Carrick Rangers, Ballyclare Comrades, Omagh Town and Bangor.
He was also the current manager of the Northern Ireland U18 Schoolboys’ team and had been in charge of Sport and Leisure Swifts, Lurgan Celtic and Bangor.
Gerard Lawlor, chief executive of the NI Football League, said: "Frankie was a much loved and respected figure in the Irish League for many years as a player and a manager. His courage and fighting spirit in recent months was reflective of how he played and enjoyed the game on the pitch."
From the archives: Frankie Wilson on Drumaness, county days with Antrim and looking after Northern Ireland's new breed
In a statement, the Irish Football Association said it was "with sadness" they had learnt of the death of Mr Wilson, who was well-known "firstly as a player in the Irish League and later as a coach and manager".
"The association would wish to send its sincere condolences to his family at this sad time," it said.
Antrim GAA also sent its "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," it said.
Lámh Dhearg CLG also said Mr Wilson had fought a "courageous battle with illness".
"A great gael who gave so much on the field both as a player and as a mentor," the club said.
Bangor Football Club sent its condolences to the family of Mr Wilson "at this sad time", while Crewe United said it was "very sad to learn this morning of the passing of our former player and friend,"
"A superb sports person and footballer, but an even better man," the club said.
Ulster University School of Sport tweeted that Mr Wilson was a "much respected and loved graduate of our school".
"Frankie left a massive footprint on local sport in NI and influenced the lives of many as a PE teacher, coach, mentor, team-mate and friend."
From the archives: Frankie Wilson on Drumaness, county days with Antrim and looking after Northern Ireland's new breed
