Tributes have been paid to the vice-chairman of Ballymena United after the membership introduced he has handed away following a brief sickness.
Don Stirling was well-known on the Irish League soccer membership, who paid tribute to his “literal lifetime” of service.
In a press release, Ballymena United FC wrote: “It's with most profound disappointment that we announce the passing of vice-chairman Don Stirling after a brief sickness.
“Phrases alone can by no means describe the person who devoted a literal lifetime to Ballymena United and the area people, and in time we’ll discover essentially the most applicable strategy to have a good time his life and love for our membership.
“Within the meantime we'll pray for and assist Marlinda and the household circle and take time to grieve this loss, which is able to go away an irreplaceable hole in our hearts.
“Thanks Don for all the pieces you might have been to us, Mr. Ballymena United.”
BBC NI radio and TV presenter Michael Clarke paid his personal tribute on-line praising Mr Stirling for his “nice sense of humour” and “fantastic humility”.
“Deeply saddened this morning by the information that Don Stirling has handed away,” he stated.
“He was a sort man who was completely dedicated to the membership he cherished, Ballymena United FC, and I am going to eternally recognize how welcome he made me really feel on the Showgrounds after I was beginning out.
“Don had an excellent sense of humour and the assistance he provided down by the years was invaluable to me.
“He additionally had an exquisite humility about him. Regardless of his senior place on the Sky Blues he did not thoughts working about taking care of folks, doing the so-called small issues.”
One fan of the membership added: “Unhappy information, what a servant to BUFC and certainly one of life’s gents. Ideas and honest condolences with Marlinda and household circle. RIP Don.”
Davy McCraig added: “Devastating information and will likely be such a loss to the BUFC household. Ideas and prayers are together with his household at the moment. Relaxation straightforward Mr BUFC.”