Finn Harps' first senior captain John Young fondly remembered at funeral Mass

A Finn Harps jersey rested at the altar of the Sacred Heart Church in Muff for the funeral Mass of John Young on Saturday.

Young, a goalkeeper, was Finn Harps’ first captain in the League of Ireland.

Young died peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry at the age of 81.

The Derry native played 33 games for Harps in two seasons at the club in the League of Ireland after previously winning the FAI Junior Cup with Harps in 1968.

“His first love was always football,” chief celebrant Fr Sean O’Donnell told mourners.

Fr O’Donnell recalled how Young, a son of Tommy and Isobel, was fond of playing tennis and rugby in his formative years in Culmore. 

He also played for Foyle Rovers, Derry City and Distillery. 

In Harps’ first game in the League of Ireland in August 1969, Young - who led the team out for the historic occasion at Finn Park - was the goalkeeper for the 10-2 defeat by Shamrock Rovers. Fr O’Donnell told how his daughters never let their dad forget the scoreline. When he would ask them the time they would always tell him it was “10 to two”.

Young also scored a goal against Waterford direct from a goal kick at Kilcohan Park - which was often the subject of quiz questions - and he moved to Derry City in 1971.

During a period of the Covid-19 pandemic when he was unwell, family members arranged for legendary goalkeeper Pat Jennings to write to him. The card sent by Jennings was placed at the altar along with a Harps jersey, a photograph of his wedding to Mary in 1972 and a phase tester.

“He was a genius as a spark,” Fr O’Donnell said. “No problem was ever beyond him. His name was then first on the list when a spark was needed.”

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Late of Back Shore, Culmore, he was predeceased by his beloved wife Mary. He was the father of Hilary, Jackie, Graham, Senga, Christine, Nicky and the late Therese and John. He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren and the dear brother of Sally, Mary, Catherine and Michael.

“Family was the centre of everything for him,” he said. “His grandchildren adored him; they were spoiled rotten.”