Declan Devine praises Derry City Legend Willie Curran as epitome of Brandywell club

Declan Devine says Willie Curran epitomised everything Derry City Football Club stands for after the sad passing of the Candystripe legend on Sunday evening.
Derry City manager Declan Devine with the late, great Willie Curran who passed away on Sunday.Derry City manager Declan Devine with the late, great Willie Curran who passed away on Sunday.
Derry City manager Declan Devine with the late, great Willie Curran who passed away on Sunday.

Willie, who celebrated his 90th birthday last May, joined the Brandywell club as a 16-year old in 1946 and was known throughout the League as a tough-tackling defender who gave everything for his hometown club, a club he served for more than 70 years whether by lifting trophies or selling tickets.

Willie was an integral part of the City side which won the famous three-game Irish Cup Final against Glentoran in 1954 and stepped into several voluntary roles at the club after retirement, helping his beloved City at every home game since.

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“Willie Curran is everything this football club is about and he had a huge influence on the club,” said Devine, of the former Derry captain, “He’s had nearly every role at the club. He’s been a very successful player and he’s worked behind the scenes in terms of raising money for the football club.

A young Willie in action for Derry City during a friendly with Glasgow Celtic at Brandywell.A young Willie in action for Derry City during a friendly with Glasgow Celtic at Brandywell.
A young Willie in action for Derry City during a friendly with Glasgow Celtic at Brandywell.

“It’s just devastating for his family and devastating for the club that we’ve lost someone of that magnitude. For me personally, Willie was always someone I loved being in his company. He was someone I could always talk to as somebody who was a very successful captain for the club and a fantastic player.

“He was always very forthcoming with his advice and his guidance and someone I enjoyed stopping to talk to. He always had very constructive information and criticism at times, but you always knew it was coming from the heart and this football club meant a hell of a lot to him. He was an absolutely incredible man and my thoughts are with his family at this sad time. He will be sorely missed.

“Hopefully over the coming months we can, as a club in the Brandywell, show what people like Willie Curran meant to us and the football club,” he added.

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“It’s sad that it’s a very private affair because of the pandemic but hopefully we can acknowledge people like Willie and those others we’ve lost in the coming months.”

Willie celebrates his 90th birthday in May with a special Derry City shirt.Willie celebrates his 90th birthday in May with a special Derry City shirt.
Willie celebrates his 90th birthday in May with a special Derry City shirt.

Devine’s comments were echoed in the club statement released by Derry City.

“Derry City Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing last night (Sunday) of a genuine club legend, Willie Curran,” read the statement.

“Such was his passion for the club that Willie was unanimously selected by the club Board to receive Derry City’s first-ever Lifetime Volunteer Award. At half-time in our home game against

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St. Patrick’s Athletic in 2018, a humble Willie Curran was surrounded by his family on the Brandywell pitch as the presentation was made by Liam Coyle.

Willie with some of the trophies he garnered from an illustrious career with his hometown club.Willie with some of the trophies he garnered from an illustrious career with his hometown club.
Willie with some of the trophies he garnered from an illustrious career with his hometown club.

“Following the passing of his late wife, Elizene, and sons, Charlie and Declan, Willie is survived by sons John and Liam and daughters Eleanor, Orlaith, Elizabeth, Mairead and Maura.

“Willie Curran was an absolute stalwart of our football club but leaves behind a legacy that will live on. He will be very sorely missed by everyone at Derry City. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, also paid tribute.

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“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Willie Curran - a true Brandywell great,” said. Mayor Tierney, “Willie was Derry City through and through and gave over 70 years of service as a player and in various voluntary roles which made him the obvious choice to be the first ever recipient of the club’s Hall of Fame award.

“While I’m too young to have seen him play, by all accounts he was a tough tackling centre half who left nothing on the pitch and he brought that passion and dedication to his off field duties as a programme and half time draw seller.

“It has been a difficult few weeks for the Derry City family and when crowds can return on match days some familiar and much loved figures will no longer be with us in the stands - but they will never be far from our thoughts. I’d like to express my sincere condolences to Willie’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Mr Curran’s funeral will take place on Wednesday. Requiem mass will be held at St Eugene’s Cathedral at 1.30pm.

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