Tributes have been paid to “one of a kind” June Humphries – a wonderful woman whose name is synonymous with Armagh, particular within sporting circles – following her sad passing.
June, who was a former PE teacher in Armagh, was a talented hockey player and helped develop the sport in the city long after her playing days were over.
She was also an excellent golf player and a former Lady Captain at Armagh Golf Club. She was someone who loved – and excelled – at sport.
June was also a woman loved and adored by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her, but mostly by her large extended family, who will feel her loss the most.
Armagh Hockey led the tributes to one of their own.
“It is with deepest sadness and heartfelt loss that we learn of the passing of one of our own, June Humphries, a true Armagh hockey legend and ambassador for our sport across the entire community,” he Club wrote on social media.
“June was part of many great teams over the years at this club and was the catalyst for growth in the sport. She had a passion and commitment like no other to get young people playing hockey and went above and beyond to accomplish this.
“June was the centre of fun… she was the life and soul of a club, a team and was everyone’s friend.”
“Our thoughts are prayers go out to Noel, Lynsey, Judith, Jill, Alan and the wider Humphries family, especially her grandchildren who are continuing her legacy at our club.
“We also think today about all those former ALHC players that were close teammates of June as they mourn the loss of their teammate and friend.
“On behalf of Armagh Hockey Club can we say how proud we are to have had such a player, member, coach, supporter and friend to our club over the years.
“There is not too many people like June and she will be sorely missed by all the hockey community and afar.”
Armagh Cricket Club added: “Everyone who knew June had a warm memory or a funny story about her and time spent in June’s company was time well spent with a generous, kind and witty person.
“The word legend is often overused in sport but in the case of June it seemed to fit very comfortably. The amount of sportspeople in and around Armagh she inspired to play would be hard to put a number on.
Tributes have been flowing in for a woman described simply as “one of a kind” and someone’s whose “love for a bit of fun and beaming smile” would light up any room she was in.
One woman wrote: “June was an absolute lady. A teacher who respected her pupils, transferred her great skills to them and made playing sport fun and inclusive to all. Many hockey matches were played with craic and competition. So sorry to hear this but I know she is reunited again with her darling son. Condolences to Judith and the family circle .June was a lady who earned the respect of all who were lucky to have met her.”
According to a death notice, June’s funeral will be held on Saturday, leaving her home at 1:45pm to Kildarton Parish Church for service at 2:30pm, followed by committal in the adjoining graveyard.
It added: “Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, for Kildarton Parish Church Building Fund, c/o Jackson Stoops & Sons, Funeral Directors, 44 Moy Road, Armagh BT61 8DL or online at jstoops.co.uk.
“Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her sorrowing husband, daughters, son and all the family circle.
“Safe in the Arms of Jesus.”
All at Armagh I offer our condolences to June’s friends, family and wider circle at this difficult time.
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