Lord of the Dance
Finn Harps and a number of League of Ireland clubs have paid tribute to a super fan who passed away this week
Sport

Finn Harps and a number of League of Ireland clubs have paid tribute to a super fan who passed away this week

A NUMBER OF LEAGUE OF IRELAND CLUBS have paid tribute to super Finn Harps supporter and steward who passed away this week.

Ronan Roddy passed away at the age of 44 after a short battle with illness at the Donegal Hospice in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Ronan was a steward at Finn Park for a number of years and had a positive impact on a number of people who met him over the years. 

Highlighting this, Finn Harps chairman Ian Harkin paid a special personal tribute to Ronan following his passing in Donegal outlet Donegal Daily, he said “News of Ronan’s passing came as a huge shock to us all this morning. Ronan is part of the fabric of our club, one of us.

"For over 20 years Ronan has volunteered at our club as match night stewart, standing at the end of the tunnel at the exit of the clubhouse. Ronan was known and loved up and down the country by the football family.

“As the team bus pulled out of Finn Park for every away game Ronan would phone in and check if they had left, as they passed his house he would be standing out on the road religiously waving his flag as he cheered on the team as the bus passed by.

“It’s difficult to put into words Ronan Rodd your appreciation for everything Ronan has done for us, our thoughts are with the Roddy family at this time.”

Finn Harps also offered their condolences to their former employee and friend they said, " Today we are all heartbroken at the news that we have lost our man Ronan.

"Our steward, supporter and our great friend.

"Ronan, it's impossible to imagine match nights without you.

"Thank you for all your help, your kindness, your sense of humour and for being such a loyal and valued member of the Finn Harps family.

Fellow League of Ireland club Waterford added: "Sincere condolences to Ronan’s friends and family and everyone at Finn Harps. May he rest in peace."

Sligo Rovers said: "Condolences to Ronan’s family, friends and everyone at Finn Harps.

"Ronan was always a friendly face on our visits to Finn Park. May he rest in peace.

A statement on RIP.ie went on to say, "He is survived by his parents, brother and sister."

"His funeral will take place on Saturday January 21 at the Church of Mary Immaculate, Stranorlar. It will start at 11 am."

"He will then be laid to rest in Drumboe Cemetery."