Derek Sweeney, Life President of Wimbledon Fencing Club, passed away on Monday 5th January 2015 in St Helier Hospital. He was 85 years old.
Derek joined Wimbledon Fencing Club soon after its formation in 1951 and was its mainstay and principal coach for much of the time until he retired from coaching about eight years ago.
Derek coached for over 40 years at all levels and in all weapons at many clubs including Streatham. He was also credited with coaching the British Paraplegic Fencing Team (wheel-chair fencing). In 2007, he was awarded a Medal for Long Service in Fencing from the British Fencing Association.