He may not have been Donegal-born but the county is a lot poorer for the passing today of Terry Leydon.
The former soldier and Donegal League official passed away at Letterkenny University Hospital.
Born in Sligo, Terry made Drumkeen his home and the people of Donegal became his friends.
A true sports fan, Terry served the Donegal League in many capacities but will be remembered by many as the League’s disciplinary secretary for almost 40 years.
He also served on the Donegal Women’s League, the Ulster FA and Donegal Youth League.
But despite living in Donegal for decades, Terry was loyal to his roots in Sligo.
Instead of making the short trip to Finn Park to supports Finn Harps, Terry remained a Sligo Rovers fan and was a proud season ticket holder at The Showgrounds.
In his career as a soldier, Terry reached the rank of Quartermaster Sergeant in the Irish Army and he served on overseas peacekeeping missions.
He is survived by his wife Vonnie, daughter Sharon and sons Derek and Paul and will be remembered fondly by his many, many friends.
The Donegal League tonight paid their own tribute to Terry.
All Donegal League games are postponed this weekend and all activity at Diamond Park Ballyare is suspended as a mark of respect to Mr Leydon.
A spokesperson for the Donegal League said “The news of the passing of our friend and colleague Terry Leyden has left us dumbfounded. Since his election to the Executive Committee of the Donegal Junior League 50 years ago, Terry has been an ever present administrator both locally and nationally.
“The League at that time was in its infancy and communication technology wasn’t as instant as that of the modern day. That never caused men like Terry to be any less efficient in the fulfilment of their roles. They saw to the development of the League and when the opportunity arose they took the steps necessary to commence the development of the current League Headquarters at Diamond Park, Ballyare. Terry was an integral part of everything that happened and soon became highly respected, not alone for his administrative abilities but also for his eagerness to see the League, its clubs and players thrive.
“Current Chairman John Joe Mc Cafferty would often remind Terry that he “had a year more done” and from the banter between the pair it was evident how much mutual respect existed between the League’s two long standing Executives. Back in those days in the early 1970s, Terry was the manager of Rockhill F.C.
“A former member of the Defence Forces, Terry never forgot his roots and remained an avid supporter of his hometown club Sligo Rovers. He has been a stalwart of the Donegal Junior League and his passing has left an unfillable void. In the coming days much will be written about Terry and great stories will no doubt be recalled.
“His life was so full and he gave so much of his time for the good of others. To his wife Vonnie, Daughter Sharon and sons Derek and Paul we send our deepest condolences. Diamond Park will never feel the same again, the Man of the House has gone to his eternal reward. May he Rest In Peace.”
His funeral details are yet to be confirmed.
May he rest in peace.
Sadness at passing of sporting stalwart Terry Leydon was last modified: February 2nd, 2024 by
