At their game on Saturday, Armagh City Football Club paid tribute to “key figure” and passionate member, Anthony McEneaney.
Anthony – who had been heavily involved in the history of both Milford Everton and Armagh City FC – passed away peacefully in hospital on July 19.
In tribute to the man who made a lasting impact on their club, Armagh FC players lined the pitch to hold a minute’s silence on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking to Anthony’s invaluable contribution, the club said: “Armagh City Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Anthony McEneaney.
“Anthony’s dedication and passion for football were instrumental in laying the foundations for our club and inspiring future generations.
“His legacy lives on through the game he loved.
“Before yesterday’s match, our first team held a minute’s silence to honour Anthony’s memory – a small gesture of gratitude for his invaluable contribution to our club’s story.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to Anthony’s family, friends, and all who knew him at this difficult time.
“Rest in peace, Anthony.”
And his impact on those around him extended far behind the white lines of the playing fields.
Sharing their memories and condolences, one person said: “Such sad news. I [sic] have known Anthony (Shanks) most of my life, he worked with my dad in the old Kirker’s bottling plant in Dobbin Street many moons ago… just about remember going in as a child with dad.
“Then all his years at Milford Everton as I was growing up and being about Holm Park, to last many years in the golf club, and sadly the past while with him and Margaret in Greenpark with my mum.
“Truly great gentleman, some craic and loved his football and we always had some banter about him being a blue and me a red on the Liverpool side of things.
“Deepest sympathy to Margaret, Joanne, Paul and their families and also to Hugh (Maxi) from mum and myself.”
Anthony had been under the care of Greenpark Nursing Home in Armagh for a time where the team have all said he will be “greatly missed”, regarding him as a “pleasure to care for”.
Those who knew him will remember Anthony as a “gentleman” and a “great character, manager and motivator”.
A death notice described Anthony as the beloved husband of Margaret, loving father of Joanne and Paul, dear granda of Anna, Jamie, brother of Sheelagh and Hugh, father-in-law of David and Jill.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday at St Patrick’s Cathedral for 11am Mass with burial afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery.
