Anto Finnegan has died aged 48.
The passing of the former Antrim football captain was confirmed by his club St Paul's.
"It is with the upmost sadness that we learn of the passing of our friend, former player, coach, mentor & ambassador Anto Finnegan," the club said in a statement on Twitter.
"This world has lost a fine man.
"Our deepest sympathies to Alison, Conall, Ava & the Finnegan & Dowdall families
"Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal"
The Belfast man was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2012. He spent the intervening years campaigning to create awareness of MND and raise funds for research and patient care through the deterMND charity.
15 November 2014; Anto Finnegan, leaves the field to a guard of honour after the game with his wife Allison and daughter Ava. #GameForAnto, Ulster Allstars XV v Dublin 2013 team, Kingspan Stadium, Ravenhill Park, Belfast, Co. Antrim. Picture credit: Oliver McVeigh / SPORTSFILE
In 2014, he organised a charity game between Dublin and an Ulster All-Star team, which was played at Ravenhill.
Anto spent more than a decade playing with the Antrim footballers. Several prominent GAA figures have paid tribute to a man who inspired many.
It is with the upmost sadness that we learn of the passing of our friend, former player, coach, mentor & ambassador Anto Finnegan. This world has lost a fine man.
Our deepest sympathies to Alison, Conall, Ava & the Finnegan & Dowdall families
Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal ♥️ pic.twitter.com/UtwvH4rxZS
— CLG Naomh Pól, Béal Feirste ⭕ (@StPaulsGAC) September 18, 2021
With Anto in 2013, shortly after his MND diagnosis. He said to me once “There’s nothing to be sad about, I have a great life.” pic.twitter.com/hn9tY439gY
— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) September 18, 2021
Just received a text that has brought a tear to the eye. So sorry to hear about the passing of Anto Finnegan...christ he marked me in the early 00's in those epic battles in casement. He battled right to end. A top top gael. Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam
— Paddy Bradley (@PaddyB14) September 18, 2021
Rest In Peace Anto Finnegan.
Legend doesn’t do him service. #NPA pic.twitter.com/ByQjdhQryr
— Brian Fenton (@BrianFenton08) September 18, 2021
Enjoyed many a story with this man about @AontroimGAA the North and my Dad. A pleasure to cross paths, a man that will be sorely missed but that's left a legacy anyone would be proud of. RIP @AFinn73 💛 💙 pic.twitter.com/at0eMW58Pr
— Philly Mc Mahon (@PhillyMcMahon) September 19, 2021
Featured image: 2 July 2000; President of Ireland Mary McAleese shakes hands with Gearoid Adams of Antrim, in the company of Antrim captain Anto Finnegan, prior to the Ulster Senior Football Championship semi-final replay between Antrim and Derry at Casement Park in Belfast, Antrim. Photo by Aoife Rice/Sportsfile
