The Irish Football Association is saddened to hear of the passing of former Board member Michael Wilson.
Michael, who was the long-serving treasurer of the County Antrim and District FA, died suddenly on Saturday.
Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood said: “Michael was hugely respected for his hard work, honesty and desire to help.
“He performed his roles in a modest and self-effacing manner which belied his ability to bring people together for the good of football. He will be a huge loss. My thoughts, and indeed those of all football, are with his family.
“Michael showed selfless dedication with 8th Old Boys, the BBOB League, the Down Area Winter Football League and as treasurer of the County Antrim FA. I had the pleasure of working with him at Down Area, County Antrim and also during his time as a board member of the Irish FA.”
Irish FA Chairman Stephen Martin said: “I would like to express my sympathy to Michael’s family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.
“Michael made an immense contribution to the Irish Football Association’s board and local football.
“He was a thoroughly decent gentleman and a man of quiet disposition who was deeply respected and brought experience from banking, common sense and balance to the Association’s board.”
The County Antrim and District FA said Michael, who lived in Comber and was a retired bank official, had served as treasurer of its association with unwavering dedication since 2005.
It pointed out: “His commitment to local football extended far beyond the Co Antrim FA. He also held key roles within the Down Area Winter Football League and the County Down SuperCupNI Committee, where he likewise served as treasurer.”
It further said his untimely passing will be felt deeply across football in Northern Ireland.
Michael’s involvement in junior football began in 1977, marking the start of nearly five decades of service to the game.
A member of the Irish FA Council from 2007, he left the council after he was elected to the Irish FA’s Board in December 2019, where he served until last December. During his time on the board he served on the Audit and Risk Committee and acted as an observer at meetings of the Irish FA Foundation Board.
The Irish Football Association sends its sincere condolences to Michael’s family circle at this sad time.
