Rifleman Frank Toye of Lisburn, Co. Antrim had a long military career and was well-known in local football circles at his time of death on 29th December 1939.
Rifleman
D/25139
Rifleman Frank Toye (D/25139) served in 6th Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles during the Second World War. He was the son of John Toye and Isabella Toye of Lisburn, Co. Antrim.
In civilian life, Frank, who was unmarried and living at 39 Chapel Street, Lisburn, Co. Antrim was active in amateur football leagues including the Lisburn Wednesday League in the interwar years. He was also Secretary of the Lisburn and District League, and in the 1938-1939 season was involved with the successful Rosevale team in the Irish Junior League.
Frank Toye, who represents Rosevale (Lisburn), is one of the hardest workers, and in fact, had it not been for his efforts there might not be any football in Ireland.
Private Toye had 19 years of military service, having served throughout The Great War. He died on 29th December 1939 aged 55 years old as a result of an accidental discharge of a rifle. An inquest recorded a verdict of accidental death.
A funeral service with full military honours took place on 31st December 1939. Many members of the local community attended, as too did members of the British Army, Royal Air Force, and the British Legion.
His grave is in Section 4, Grave 51 of Holy Trinity Cemetery, Lisburn, Co. Antrim. His name is on the Lisburn War Memorial, Lisburn, Co. Antrim. His headstone bears the inscription:
On his soul, sweet Jesus, have mercy.
