The Irish Football Association has held its annual Act of Remembrance to honour members of the football family who lost their lives in conflict while serving to protect our freedoms.
The service, held at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, was led by Irish FA President Colin McKendry and the association’s chaplain, Pastor Richard Donnan, on Thursday 5 November.
During the ceremony the names of the fallen were read by the President, who also laid a wreath on behalf of the Irish FA and the wider football community. A second wreath was laid by Gary McAllister, Chairman of the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters’ Clubs.
McAllister also delivered a reading, along with Judith White, daughter of the late Brian White, a former Irish FA Council member who passed away earlier this year.
The congregation, which consisted of Council, Board and staff members, joined together in singing a selection of hymns.
After the service McKendry said:
“Our annual gathering is always a special moment and, for me, a particular honour in my first year as President.
“The Act of Remembrance provides an important opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served and gave their lives for others.
“Hearing the personal stories behind the names makes the occasion especially meaningful, bringing a real sense of the individuals and families behind the sacrifice. It was a privilege to stand alongside everyone and join in the singing as part of the tribute.”
The roll of honour featured:
Alexander McNeill (Linfield, Belfast Celtic, Larne)
Killed in action on 1 July 1916
Alexander Scott (Glentoran)
Died of wounds on 7 July 1916
Archibald Cunningham (Glentoran)
Killed in action on 18 March 1915
Barney Donaghey (Belfast Celtic) (Ireland 1 cap 1902)
Died 1 July 1916
David Drennan (Distillery, Cliftonville, Linfield)
Killed in action on 1 September 1916
David James Sloan (Distillery)
Killed in action on 24 October 1916
Donald Reid Sloan (Distillery)
Killed in action on 1 January 1917
E Turner (Linfield)
Died in 1917
G Gibson (Linfield)
Died in 1918
George McFadden (Portadown)
Died of wounds on 27 March 1916
Harrison McCloy (Cliftonville)
Killed in action on 21 August 1917
Harold Sloan (Bohemians) (Ireland 8 caps and 5 goals 1903-1909)
Died 22 January 1917
Hiriam McKee (Cliftonville) (Ireland 3 caps 1895)
Died of illness 29 November 1916
Isaac McConnell (Linfield)
Killed in action on 9 July 1917
James Tipping (Glenavon)
Killed in action on 1 April 1917
Joseph O’Neill (Glenavon)
Died of wounds on 4 September 1917
John Edmonson (Linfield)
Died on 5 November 1918
J Forbes (Linfield)
Died in 1918
John Magill (Glenavon)
Died of wounds on 27 April 1915
Leslie Houston (Linfield)
Killed in action on 31 October 1914
James Lamb (Portadown)
Killed in action on 21 March 1918
James Walker (Linfield)
Died of wounds on 6 May 1916
James Weir (Glenavon)
Killed in action on 14 March 1916
John Walker (Glenavon)
Killed in action on 16 July 1916
John Wilson (Glenavon)
Killed in action on 23 June 1915
Moses Cummins (Glenavon)
Killed in action on 19 July 1915
Richard Curry/Currie (Portadown)
Died after discharge on 8 April 1918
Patrick Hagan (Linfield)
Killed in action on 14 July 1916
Robert Howe (Glenavon)
Died of wounds on 3 June 1916
Richard Irwin (Glenavon)
Killed in action on 3 November 1917
Richard Moore (Linfield) (Ireland 3 caps 1891)
Died of illness 29 October 1918
Samuel Alexander (Glenavon)
Killed in action on 24 November 1914
Samuel Herbertson (Glentoran)
Killed in action on 20 July 1915
Samuel Long (Distillery)
Killed in action on 20 June 1916
Samuel Lowry (Willowfield United)
Killed in action on 2 July 1916
Thomas Cummins (Glenavon)
Died of pulmonary tuberculosis on 5 March 1919
Thomas James Mitchell (Glenavon)
Died of wounds on 16 June 1917
Thomas Johnston (Linfield, Distillery)
Killed in action in October 1916
Tom King (Linfield)
Killed in action on 7 August 1917
Thomas Mitchell (Glenavon)
Died of wounds on 16 June 1917
William Brolly (Distillery)
Killed in action on 21 August 1915
Wesley Maultsaid (Linfield)
Killed in action on 12 November 1916
William J Creevey (Linfield)
Killed in action on 6 August 1916
William Hall (Glenavon, Cliftonville, Linfield)
Killed in action on 20 July 1915
William Kelly (Glenavon)
Killed in action on 1 July 1916
William Robb (Portadown)
Killed in action on 1 July 1916
