Ex-Sligo Rovers player Frank Devins passes away in US
THE death has occurred of Sligo native and former Sligo Rovers footballer Frank Devins.
Frank passed away peacefully on January 4, 2024 at his home at Paragon Village in Hackettstown, surrounded by his loving family. He was 93-years-old.
A native of Church Hill, Frank grew up in the shadow of The Showgrounds and went on to enjoy a football career with the Bit O’Red, making 43 appearances and scoring five goals in all competitions between 1948 and 1952.
Devins is understood to have remained active as a footballer right up until he emigrated to the United States in 1956 when he was 26-years-old.
After settling in New Jersey, Frank became a liquor store manager for Colonial Liquors for over 30 years before retiring in 1994. He was also a very active member of his community right up to recent years a member of St Jude RC Church, the Knights of Columbus Council 1600 and the Mt. Olive Senior Citizens. He also enjoyed playing golf and was known to frequently visit Sligo which always included a trip to The Showgrounds.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Maria Immaculata Devins, his loving, daughter Anne Sipinick and her husband Joe, his loving son Brian Devins and daughterin-law Kathryn, his dear brother, Sean Devins and dear sisters Kathleen Koppel and Pearl Kelly, his cherished grandchildren, Jennifer Deaver, Carissa Libhart, Shana Montoya, Kyle Devins, Bridget Devins and Aisling Devins. He also is survived by great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Christopher, Ella, Maddox, Jordi and Addison.
Frank was predeceased by his son, Anthony Nicholas Devins in 2011 and his siblings Bertie Devins, Phyllis Cohen, and Doreen Kilcawley.