MOURNERS gathered in Belfast yesterday for the funeral of a former Antrim Gaelic footballer and ex-Irish League player, who was a "kind-hearted, good humoured, very gifted man".
Frankie Wilson, who was manager of Banbridge Town Football Club, died on Friday at the age of 52 following a battle with cancer.
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, Knock 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 was made a Hall of Fame recipient at the Lámh Dhearg GAA club.
His Irish League career saw him play for Cliftonville, Carrick Rangers, Ballyclare Comrades, Omagh Town and Bangor.
He was also the manager of the Northern Ireland U18 Schoolboys’ team at the time of his death and had been in charge of Sport and Leisure Swifts, Lurgan Celtic and Bangor.
Requiem Mass for Mr Wilson took place yesterday at St Anne's Church.
Speaking to those gathered, Fr Dominic McGrattan said Mr Wilson had "much to take pride in".
He said the 52-year-old had grown up in a home where he was "formed to be a man of virtue and principle".
"I was privileged to meet Frankie just days ago when I had to administer the Last Rites, reassuring him he was at peace with God and welcomed to make a final journey," he said.
"It was another step in coming to terms with what lay ahead.
"Only afterwards, after Frankie had breathed his last, did I come to know of his long and distinguished career as a coach and manager".
Fr McGrattan said the father-of-three, who had been "touched" by the support and encouragement he had received, had "been there for his loved ones in good times and bad".
"He was a beloved husband and father. That he could kiss you each morning Tara and say `no regrets', is testament to the unbreakable bond you shared".
Fr McGrattan said Mr Wilson believed sport was a "great leveller, a unifying sport that transcends division" which gave "young people confidence, gave them life skills, formed character".
He said Mr Wilson would be remembered as a "kind-hearted, good humoured, very gifted man".
Following Requiem Mass, Mr Wilson was laid to rest in Milltown Cemetery.
