Tributes paid to ‘great clubman’

Peter Devlin, who played with David in his last rugby match on Boxing Day, commented: “It’s hard to believe that less than two months ago he was ‘sprinting about’ the field in the over 35s game and showing Harv how to give good verbals. Then setting the wheels in motion for a trip to Italy, which sadly he’ll now never make. One of the best.”

One of David’s closest friends, Kyle Geddis, posted: “I came to consider you as the big brother I never had and often sought your guidance in business matters, personal matters and family matters. You always listened and always came up with either a solution or suggestion to all my questions. You were a wonderful son, brother, husband, father and friend. I sincerely hope you knew how much I loved you as a friend and I will be forever grateful to have known you.”

David had friends the world over and Simone from Rome, who met David on a Christmas visit to Lurgan Rugby Club, said: “It was my privilege to play rugby with him on the same pitch. He showed me some of the greatest rugby attitude I have ever seen.”

Andrew Davis remembered David’s attitude on the pitch. He said: “As a scrum half I loved playing with Davy. He always wanted the ball and always made ground. Davy only knew one way and that was forward. Most of all Davy enjoyed the banter. His ability to use humour to wind up the opposition and influence referees was legendary.”

Richard Clarke posted: “Sad, sad day for the Stevensons and Lurgan Rugby Club. To echo many others, it was a pleasure to have known, played with, played against and shared a pint with Davy.”

Aaron Carson said: “The rugby club lost a great club man and friend to all who knew him. Davy was a true Lurgan man who was always smiling.”

Club Secretary Paula Magill posted: “Davy Stevenson was true gentleman and dedicated clubman. He was always known and respected for the big character he was, always something to say and always the first to support anything I ever had the privilege to organise for Lurgan RFC. It is safe to say the club will not be the same without him in the corner with the rest of the alickadoos and players. Rest in peace Davy, heaven will be a much brighter place with you in it. Thoughts and prayers are with Alison, Gayle and Andrew and the entire family circle.”