Hundreds are to line out as funeral cortege of Anthony Moore passes by

Mr Moore, who was originally from Lurgan but lived in Craigavon, was popular in the sporting community in particular.

The Moore family have had ‘floods of texts, calls and posts’ about Tony ‘Archie’ Moore and acknowledged there was a ‘great disappointment’ that his many friends could not join the family for the funeral.

Mr Moore. who was chairman of Goodyear FC, was highly respected in the community and worked hard on the ground helping neighbours and friends through the club, and through the GAA.

His family said that while the funeral and burial is private they will be happy for people to join them in prayer and give their respects by lining the road on his final journey.

The coffin will be leaving the house at approximately 12.30pm. The route to St Anthony’s Chapel: - Leave 10 Lakeview Park; - Turn left onto Drumgor W Rd; - At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Brownlow Rd; At Lismore school roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Drumgor Rd; take 2nd right towards Legahory center; arrive at Chapel

Once the funeral mass has concluded at approximately 1.45pm. The funeral procession will take the following route to St. Colman’s Cemetery: - Leave St. Anthony’s Chapel and drive downhill past St. Anthony’s Primary School - Turn left onto Tullygally Rd; - At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Lake Rd/A3; - At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Eastway; - At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Silverwood Rd/B2; - Procession will stop for 1 minute at the Goodyear Social Club for Tony to have one last look; - Continue onto Francis Street, past his beloved Clan na Gael and his homeland of Shankill; - Turn left onto Edward Street; - At town centre take left onto Church place and head directly down North Street; - At junction with Lake Street continue straight onto Antrim Road; - Follow Antrim Road all the way to North Circular Road where procession will stop at St. Colman’s Cemetery.

The family said: “We have been overwhelmed by all the kindness and support that has flooded through to us, and we thank each and every one of you. For those wishing to pray with us we have arranged for a webcam to show the requiem mass tomorrow at 1pm via facebook live. All you will need to do is click here: https://www.facebook.com/Goodyearssc

Yesterday the Moore family issued a statement confirming that Tony had lost his ‘long battle with cancer yesterday evening’ (Tuesday).

They thanked everyone who supported their dad and sent messages to the family during this difficult time.

“Anyone who knew Tony ‘Archie’ Moore, born in Shankill and who lived in Craigavon for most of his life, knew he loved the social event of a big wake and attended many a funeral in his day!

“He was first and foremost a big community man and the irony is over the next number of days as much as he would have loved a big send off he also would want us to do our best to respect the church and undertakers guidelines to keep people safe & healthy at this unusual time.

“He loved his wife Mary and his children and grandchildren and all within the family circle and his friends.

“He supported his Community, St Anthonys Chapel, Armagh, Clan Na Gael and Eire Og GAA and volunteered his time when he was younger to the Tullygally youth club, Brownlow Limited and the 18-25 Youth Project among many others.

“He started work in Farrens and the Goodyear factory and of course he will be remembered by many as the Captain of the Ship at the Goodyear Sports & Social Club since the 1980’s where he enjoyed the craic and banter with all of the people who came through the door throughout the years!”

A spokesperson for Goodyear FC said: “Everyone associated with the Goodyear FC is saddened to hear of the loss of Anthony Moore.

“Anthony was the chairman of the Goodyear and the heart and soul of the club with over 35 years of hard work ensuring its success.

“He was hugely respected for his effort in keeping not just the football club running at its best but ensuring the social club was always busy.

“All members of Goodyear FC pass our deepest condolences to the Moore family at this difficult time.”

Mr Moore is mourned by his wife Mary and children Steven, Cathy, Connor and Laura and family circle.

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