Tributes paid to Glenavon director Noel Hayes

Mr Noel Hayes, passed away peacefully at his Valley Lane home in Waringstown on Sunday, January 3, just days after celebrating his 70th birthday.

Mr Hayes was well known in local football circles for his work with Glenavon and at Lurgan BBOB FC.

A statement from Glenavon FC said: “It is with deep regret that Glenavon Football Club record the passing of our club director, Noel Hayes.

“Noel had been a lifelong Glenavon supporter and had been involved in the club number of roles, including a youth-level coach and also as a steward.

“He was also responsible at a time for looking after the club’s ball boys.

“He joined the club’s Board of Directors at our 2016 AGM and had recently been appointed as the club’s first ever Supporter and Staff Welfare Officer.

“It was a position he had long championed that the club should have in order to keep fans and players alike in touch with the club in their hour of need.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to the club are with Noel’s family at this sad time.”

Mid Ulster Football League also paid tribute: “It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the sad passing of Noel Hayes, another one of local football’s true gentlemen. Noel was a stalwart of both Lurgan BBOB and of course Glenavon.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family circle at this sad time. Deepest sympathies to all at both clubs.

“Noel was one of football’s true gents, and even though he was himself unwell and ‘going through the wars’ at times, he always had a smile on his face every time you’d meet him. RIP sir, you’ll be missed by so, so many.”

Mid Ulster Football Association, in its tribute, described Mr Hayes as a ‘great servant to football’.

The association said: “It is with great sadness that we mourn MUFA Life Member Noel Hayes, who sadly passed away over night.

“A former winner of the MUFA’s prestigious Ivan Marshall Merit Award during the 2012-13 season.

“This last week Noel had been recovering at home, it was hoped, after about a week in hospital.

“A great man and servant to local football, including until now a Director at Glenavon FC and President of Lurgan BBOB FC. Noel will be sorely missed.

Thoughts and prayers with Noel’s family, his friends and his two MU clubs.”

In its tribute Lurgan BBOB Football Club said: “On Christmas Day we celebrated LBBOB Club President Noel Hayes’ 70th Birthday but now it is with very heavy hearts that we mourn Noel sadly passing away over night.

“Noel had been hopefully recovering at home after about a week in hospital. A great man and a founding member of LBBOB 33 years ago, who will be very sadly missed. Thoughts and prayers with Noel’s family.”

Waringstown Vintage Cavalcade expressed it sympathies and said Mr Hayes had been a keen supporter of the NI Kidney Research Fund: “Noel Hayes from Waringstown who was grateful for the gift of life of a kidney has passed away.

“Noel received a kidney in August 1981 and has been ever thankful for the organ donation having had both kidney’s removed at the age of 30.

“Noel was a keen supporter of the NIKRF work, Waringstown Cavalcade and organ donation.

“Thoughts and prayers are with Noel’s family at this sad time.”

A family death notice stated Mr Hayes was the ‘beloved husband of Freda and much loved brother of Jim and Alistair.”

Funeral arrangements later to be released later Enquiries to Ronnie Russell Funeral Director Tel: 07540 126 370.

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