Widespread tributes have been paid to a popular Co Armagh darts player who also played for and coached a local football team.
Adrian Andrews from Mullabrack passed away in hospital on Tuesday, after Armagh Cricket Club said the man fell ill at Saturday’s Allen McCall Memorial Competition.
As well as sporting circles, Mr Andrews was also a popular Orangeman and well known in the pipe band scene.
Among the many tributes paid to the father-of-three, Armagh Cricket Club wrote: “Like everyone in local darting circles, all at Armagh Cricket Club are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Adrian Andrews after falling ill at Saturdays Allen McCall Memorial Competition on Saturday night.
“As well as being an outstanding thrower and sportsman, Adrian was a great supporter of young emerging players and notably was a great advocate for our young B team that now play under the Armagh Cricket Club name.
“His support was always appreciated coming from one of the leagues best.”
Read more
Football team Markethill Swifts added: “Adrian had a long association with the club from our earliest days and served with distinction both as a player and a manager down through the years.
“That love of football was passed onto to his sons David and Simon who are both a huge part of our current youth and senior coaching teams.
“Adrian was respected throughout the community and everyone enjoyed time in his company.
“We assure his wife Elizabeth, children Elaine, David & Simon and all their families of our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”
Also paying tribute was Markethill District L.O.L No.10, who added: “The Officers of and Brethren across Markethill District 10 would pass on their condolences and sympathy to the family of Brother Adrian Andrews who sadly passed away last night.
“Adrian was a well known and loved member of Mullabrack Hearts of Steel L.O.L 1406, a stalwart in the pipe band scene, regular dart player and keen shot; he was a good friend to many and will be sadly missed.”
Meanwhile Sports Direct Premiership side Loughgall paid their own tribute.
“With heavy hearts we share the news of the passing of our Darts team member and dear friend Adrain “the old master” Andrews,” they said.
“Adrian was a friend to many around the club and as well as the darting circle. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Our thoughts are with his wife Elizabeth, his sons and daughter and family circle at this sad time. Rest easy mate.”
A funeral notice confirmed Mr Andrews was: “The dearly loved husband of Elizabeth, much loved father of Elaine, David and Simon, dear father-in-law of David, Gemma and Michelle, devoted granda of Jamie, Isabella, Jude, Cameron, Arthur and Hugh and a dear brother, brother-in-law and uncle.”
“Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife, daughter, sons and all the family circle.”
The man’s funeral will take place at 1pm on Friday at St. John’s Parish Church in Mullabrack.