Tributes paid to Creggan legend Frankie Clifford
Tributes have been paid to Creggan legend, Frankie Clifford, who has sadly passed away.
Mr. Clifford died peacefully at his home in Rinmore Drive on Tuesday, April 7. He was in his early 80s.
A well-known singer and actor, Frankie was for a long-time a member of the Lilliput Theatre Company.
Following his sad passing this week he was described as a ‘great Creggan character’, a ‘Creggan legend’ and a ‘gentleman’ in many warm tributes from those who knew him.
Francis ‘Frankie’ Clifford was renowned as a devoted follower of his beloved Derry City FC over seven decades.
His support for his home town club stretched back to the 1950s and 1960s.
Derry City FC acknowledged that Frankie had been ‘an ever-present at the Brandywell during the Irish League era from the late 1960s onwards’.
He travelled the length and breadth of the country supporting the Candystripes and was still a regular at the Brandywell until recent years.
Paying tribute in a statement following his death, the club said: “He was passionate in support of his hometown club and many a referee, linesman and opposing player felt the wrath of his vocal support.
"Ill-health rarely prevented Frankie from following his beloved Candystripes although it was to have a bearing in recent seasons.”
The club said Frankie was the epitome of a Derry City supporter and that he will be greatly missed.
"He was a Derry City fan in every sense of the word and his death will be sorely felt on the Brandywell terraces. Our condolences to the entire network of family and friends. May Frankie Rest in Peace,” the tribute concluded.
Offering their respects to the Clifford family former neighbours paid their own tributes online, where Frankie was described as ‘Mr. Creggan’, ‘absolute gold’ and the ‘funniest character’.
Frankie is mourned by his siblings Mary-Ellen, Tommy, Lily, John and Sally, his nieces and nephews and his wide circle of family and friends.
His Requiem Mass will take place at St. Mary’s, Creggan, at 10am on Friday, April 10, after which his remains will be interred in the nearby City Cemetery.