Faughanvale's leading man: Derek McFeely - An Appreciation

A native of Foreglen, Derek was an integral part of the O’Brien’s team which claimed the Derry Intermediate Championship title in 1985, playing alongside his elder brother, Noel. Indeed, he went on to represent his county during the campaign which would see Derry win the National League in 1992 under the stewardship of the late Eamonn Coleman. He also proudly represented St Pat’s Maghera as a student.

Derek transferred to Faughanvale in 1995, where his playing career was cut short by injury. Not one to be content sitting on the sidelines, he joined the management team for the 1996 season, a year which culminated in the St. Mary’s club winning the Derry Intermediate Championship.

In 1998, he took the reigns himself, and pieced together a team balanced by youth and experience and which led to Faughanvale, once again, claiming the Bateson, Sheridan, Lee trophy after defeating Claudy in the Final at Drumsurn.

In the years that followed, Derek volunteered in many club activities, from coaching to fundraising, dedication which saw him elected as Vice-Chairman in 2004, and with it the role of Chairperson for the club’s newly formed Development Committee.

The committee unveiled ambitious plans to expand John McLaughlin Park, the club grounds. Lands adjacent were purchased and funds in excess of £700,000 were secured through the mediums of funding, fundraising, and gala banquets. There was also an army of volunteers, who gave their time freely, to complete the works.

On Sunday 7th June 2009, St. Mary’s Faughanvale officially opened two ‘Croke Park’ sized pitches within their newly expanded grounds.

Derek remained an active club member. If there was ever a project or a job to be undertaken, the answer was never ‘no’. As one of the most respected voices within the club, he led by his actions, not his words. His enthusiasm and personality were infectious, no-one was ever asked to do a job that he wasn’t prepared to do himself.

Driven, committed, generous, loyal and humble. Those who knew him best might add crabit, loud and impatient to those words!

As well as being a willing volunteer for St Mary’s Faughanvale, Derek was also a past captain of Broadbridge F.C. and a popular and prominent member of both Ballyliffin Golf Club and the local Rising Sun Golf Society.

Derek contributed greatly to the local economy, employing numerous people from the local area, and giving many their first opportunity in employment.

Along with his brothers, Noel and Tom, they were also sponsors of the Derry Intermediate Football Championship. There was no one prouder than Derek to present the trophy to winning Foreglen captain, and nephew, Kevin O’Connor, in September of last year.

Above all else, he was a proud father to Ciara, Catriona, Conal, Tiernan and Bella-Rose. Their loss is immeasurable, as is that of the extended McFeely family and Derek’s many friends.

For many who will gather in the coming years to watch games at John McLaughlin Park, his presence (and voice) will be greatly missed.

Whilst many people contributed, it’s fair to say there wouldn’t be the John McLaughlin Park as we know it today, without Derek McFeely.

Go raibh maith agat Derek. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam