‘Loved across Ireland’: Tribute to entrepreneur and founder of Donegal’s New Kid Coffee and The Counter Deli Richard Finney following tragic death

Richard Finney, originally from Lisburn, was a coffee roaster and successful entrepreneur who was widely popular across Co Donegal.

From 2008 he ran the renowned Wine Buff store in Letterkenny with his wife Olivia, before establishing The Counter Deli, a multi-award winning wine and grocery store which also developed into a deli and cafe.

Richard’s most recent venture was New Kid Coffee, Donegal’s first specialty coffee roaster.

The father-of-two’s company supplied the jerseys for the Bonagee United U12 “Arcade” team, where Richard also helped as a coach.

The football club paid tribute to the late businessman, as did many local businesses and friends in the Donegal area.

He was described as “far too cool for obituary clichés” and as “funny, friendly, ambitious, intelligent and unique.”

“Not one person who met Richard would say a bad word about our VERY tall and VERY bald boss and friend,” The Counter Deli continued as she paid her respects.

“Richard was a gentle giant who had time for everyone – he was a total gentleman who was always up for a laugh and a bit of hilarity. He was also an inspiring entrepreneur and became an expert at anything he set his mind to – accounting (although he would prefer if we didn’t point it out!), wine and not forgetting a good cup of coffee!

“Together with Olivia he built The Counter and more recently New Kid Coffee from the ground up – two great businesses that are popular with locals here in Letterkenny and across Ireland.”

The Counter Deli continued: “As if that wasn’t enough, Richard also loved extracurricular activities! He had a keen interest in guitars and was known to sing a little tune with Mia and Matthew as vocalists at any opportunity. He also helped coach the local soccer team and loved watching the boys’ progress. And then there were his DIY skills…maybe the less said about that the better…!

“If ever there was proof that a man and a woman can work together, it was Richard and Olivia. After that first look at the computers at EY, they no longer had eyes for anyone else! It’s hard to find the right words, but to put it simply: Olivia was the opposite of Richard’s Yang and they made the BEST team.

“Richard was loved by everyone and as a mark of respect to the leading actor, the counter will remain closed for the rest of this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with Richard’s entire family. Much love – the counter. Rest in peace, Richard x.”

Richard is survived and mourned by his wife Olivia and children Mia and Matthew; his parents Anne and Mike Moorcroft (Lisburn), sister Karen and husband Harry Parkinson (Belfast), brother Andrew and wife Kelly Moorcroft (Manchester), grandmother Maria Moorcroft (Spain), his wider family circle and his many friends.

His funeral will take place at 10.30am on Thursday (September 14) at the Church of the Irish Martyrs in Letterkenny, with burial to follow in Conwal Cemetery.