Sligo Rovers were saddened to hear of the passing of long time supporter Father Richie Young today.

Fr. Young supported Rovers all his life and indeed very nearly played for the club as he had trials in the late 1940’s. He also played inter-county football with Sligo GAA.

He left Sligo in 1950 after he was ordained and his parish was close to the Mater Hospital in Dublin.

He also taught in schools around Dublin, including being a resident of Rathmines College, and was very involved in schoolboy and youth football in Dublin and Leinster.

His love of Rovers stayed with him and though he was often at more away games than home ones, he rarely passed up the chance to see the Bit O ‘Red in action.

In his later years Fr. Richie was a resident in Summerville Nursing Home and the highlight of his fortnight would be when his niece Tina would bring him to the Showgrounds to his usual spot down at the front of the Treacy Avenue Stand for a game.

One of his favourite players was Richard Brush and he was delighted when Brushie started working in Summerville and he enjoyed many chats with him about Rovers.

He will be missed from the Treacy Avenue Stand having supported the club all the way to his late 80s before passing away today.

Reposing at Seán Feehily’s Funeral Home, Cartron Cross, Sligo from 4.30pm on Friday.

Removal at 6.00pm to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo. Mass of the Resurrection at 11.30am on Saturday.

Burial follows in Sligo Cemetery. Family homes private. Donations in lieu of Flowers if desired to SHOUT (Sligo Hospital Oncology Unit Trust) c/o Seán Feehily’s Funeral Home, Cartron Cross, Sligo.

We send our condolences to all of Father Richie’s family. May he Rest in Peace.

(Image courtesy of The Sligo Weekender)