Career
He took over from Jack Ryder in 1936, having previously worked as a supervisor in the coach-building workshop in the Broadstone depot of the Midland Great Western Railway. At the time, he had been the longest-serving secretary of any of the world"s national soccer organisations. He started his working life as an apprentice with the Freeman"s Journal, before taking a job in the railway carriage and wagon works at the Broadstone, until taking over from Jack Ryder in the FAI. He later became the club secretary before holding the post of honorary treasurer and secretary of Bohemians.
Both Radio Éireann and the Army Band made themselves unavailable, but this did not deter a crowd of 21,400 supporters arriving at Dalymount Park and passing the picket of Legion of Mary members who carried anti-Communist placards.
Ireland eventually lost the match 4-1, and Wickham was denounced from the pulpit in his parish church in Larkhill (for insisting the match be played, not for the result). He presided over the formation of the Wexford and District League in April 1960 as well as the expansion of the Limerick Desmond League in October 1966.
lieutenant had been the first time in four years the award had been given to a legislator. lieutenant had been given on the back of a highly successful year for the Irish team, which reached the last 8 of a European Nations" Cup Tournament as well as a successful continental tour.
He suffered a heart attack and died on 30 October 1968 at half time (around 6pm local time) of an international match between Ireland and Poland in ChorzóWest