Tributes have been paid to a much loved and key figure amongst the Gaelic Athletic Association in County Tyrone.
Frank Holland from Dungannon, had been a significant sponsor and founding member of Club Tyrone, as well as, a ‘dear friend’ and ‘hugely respected figure’ within the Kileeshil Gaelic Football Club; a club which he had been involved with since the 1960’s.
Following Frank’s passing Tyrone GAA stated: “Gaelic Tyrone and far beyond are lessened by the death, after a long and remarkably effective life, of Frank Holland.
“A leader in his own right, Frank was a key member of that generation who helped Tyrone also become leaders. A Tyrone sponsor long before GAA sponsorship was formalised, and a founder-member of Club Tyrone, Frank also helped lead the line in the engineering and business revolution that has transformed our County.
“‘Ná caoin deor ar m’imeacht ach cuimhnigh orm mar a bhí mé | Do not mourn my departure but remember me as I was.’
“Our deepest sympathy goes to Peggy, Sinead, Leona, Caroline and Francesca, to his entire family circle, and to his many friends, colleagues and associates”.
Kileeshil Gaelic Football Club also took to social media to express their grief, posting: “Our club are in mourning at the loss of our dear friend Frank Holland.
“Frank was a hugely respected figure within our club and community. He served the club as a player in the 1960s and as a committee member and secretary during the 1970s during which time he played a pivotal role in the development of our main pitch.
“He also helped to organise the first club trip to the Munster senior final in Cork in 1976. He was a loyal driver for many of the Tyrone senior team in the 1970s and 1980s and rarely missed a Tyrone game home or away.
“One of his proudest days was in 2003 when Tyrone finally won the Sam Maguire Cup with his neighbour Kevin playing a starring role in the success. Frank will always be remembered fondly by the gaels of Cill Iseal as a loyal supporter of the club.
“The committee, players and members extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Peggy, daughters Sinead, Leona, Caroline and Francesca, sisters Mary and Anne and brothers Aiden, Patrick, Noel, Brendan and Jerome (all former playing members). May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
Frank was the devoted husband of Peggy and dear father of Sinead (Erkin), Leona (Declan), Caroline (Matt) and Francesca (Tom), loving grandfather of Alex, Mia, Isla and Ben, brother of Mary (Hanratty), Anne (Lewsley), Aiden, Patrick, Noel, Brendan and Jerome.
