‘Johnny was one of the old brigade’ - admits ex-skipper

Tributes are being paid to one of the North West’s best known footballers and administrators, Johnny Burnside, who died last Friday.
Johnny Burnside.Johnny Burnside.
Johnny Burnside.

The 72-year-old, who played, managed and was a former chairman and vice-chairman at Institute, was a founding member of Gransha FC and league secretary of the North West Saturday Morning League for a number of years.

A minute’s silence will be observed before all Saturday’s matches in the Rath Mor Pre-MOT North West Saturday Morning League while a minute’s applause took place before Institute’s Championship top of the table clash against Dundela.

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Tributes to Johnny have been led by Billy Carlin, Institute Gransha manager and PRO for the NWSML.

“Johnny was one of the most affable men you would ever want to meet in the world of football,” he said.

“Anyone who came in to contact with Johnny was always left with a lasting impression that they had just maet one of life’s true gentlemen.

“Johnny was also a former Charge Nurse at Gransha Hospital and was much liked by staff and patients alike.”

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Johnny is survived by his wife Yvonne and children, Ashley and Allison.

Former Institute skipper Graeme Philson also paid his tribute, as did former ’Stute committee member by saying: “Great character, Johnny was one of the old brigade,” said Philson.

“So sad. I can’t pay a bigger compliment to Johnny other than to say that he was ‘one of life’s true gentlemen’,” said McMonagle.

Institute supporter Marcia Coll said: “Johnny was one of life’s true gentlemen, was so sorry to hear of his passing! Thoughts and prayers are with his wife Yvonne, Ashley, Alison all his grandchildren and the wider family circle at this sad time.”

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