A lasting tribute is planned for the late Letterkenny businessman and philanthropist, Fintan Houston, in his hometown.
Mr. Houston, who passed away in 2022, is remembered for his extraordinary fundraising efforts, raising millions for various charitable causes.
He played a pivotal role in establishing universal play equipment at Ballymacool Park, specifically designed for children with special needs.
His dedication extended to supporting major children’s hospitals, with Temple Street Children’s Hospital and Crumlin Children’s Hospital being two of his primary beneficiaries.
To honour his unwavering commitment to children’s well-being, Letterkenny and Milford councillors have unanimously agreed to dedicate one of the town’s children’s play areas in his name.
Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh proposed the initiative on behalf of Pádraig Ó Ruanaí, a long-time friend of Fintan, and it received unanimous support during the recent Municipal District meeting.
The specific play area chosen to bear Fintan Houston’s name will be determined at a later date, and a commemorative plaque will be installed in that location.
In the business world, Mr. Houston is fondly recalled as co-founder, alongside his wife Marie, of FM Cleaning Services in 1994.
Pádraig Ó Ruanaí meticulously documented Fintan’s remarkable life and achievements, which he shared with the councillors during the meeting.
Born in Letterkenny in 1949, Fintan was a truly exceptional individual, celebrated for his entrepreneurial spirit and his extensive voluntary work, even while facing physical challenges in his later years.
In his early twenties, Fintan co-founded Jackie Houston and Sons Limited, a thriving crane and digger hire business that also operated a successful quarry in Churchill, employing approximately 160 people.
Following a severe brain haemorrhage in 1983 that left him unable to work and facing financial hardship, Fintan, together with his wife Marie, bravely established FM Cleaning. Starting with the help of their teenage daughter Annette, the contract cleaning business flourished and now employs 200 people.
After retiring from FM Cleaning in 1997, Fintan dedicated his life fully to philanthropic endeavors. His fundraising touched countless local and national charities.
In 1987, upon enrolling his daughter in the newly formed Letterkenny Community Gymnastics Club, he immediately became an advocate for upgrading the club’s equipment, some of which is still in use today.
He founded the annual Crumlin Children’s Hospital Golf Classic, which raised approximately €110,000, and organized numerous successful fundraising events, including big fight nights, American Country Nights, and co-organized the Annual Letterkenny Set Dancing Festival for a variety of worthy causes.
A particularly notable initiative was his organization of annual charity parachute jumps at Donegal International Airport from 2012 to 2017, estimated to have raised €500,000 for various charities. He also played a key role in the SNAP (Special Needs Adapted Playground) project and spearheaded the refurbishment of Ballaghderg Special Needs School.
Despite living with a permanent disability affecting his right arm and hand, he overcame obstacles to learn how to ride a three-wheeled motorcycle specifically for a remarkable 4,000-mile charity tour of California, and he twice embraced his fears by parachuting from an airplane!
Letterkenny tribute to recognise charity spirit of the late Fintan Houston was last modified: July 8th, 2025 by
