Main pic: John McDaid in his Glentoran days.
Tributes have been paid to former Finn Harps striker, John McDaid, who has sadly passed away at the age of just 59.
The Omagh-native was somewhat of a legend at Finn Park and the fans could often be heard chanting from the terraces, ‘McDaid’s a Football Special’.
He is probably most famous among the Ballybofey faithful for his wonderful equaliser (below) in the 1-1 draw against Derry City in front of 13,000 in a packed Brandywell in 1986.
He made his senior debut for Glentoran as a 16-year old and also had spells with Derry City, Portadown and his home town club Omagh.
McDaid featured for NI Schoolboys and was set to join English giants Newcastle United in October 1982. However, a serious injury sustained in a Gold Cup final for Glentoran against Linfield curtailed those dreams of a cross-channel move.
Funeral details to follow.
![](https://www.donegaldaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Old-Finn-Harps.jpg)
John McDaid (front right) with his Finn Harps teammates before a big clash with Derry City at the Brandywell in the 1980s.
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