Tributes have been pouring in following the sad passing of a well-known Co. Armagh man.
Tony ‘Archie’ Moore, who was born in Lurgan and spent most of his life in Craigavon, lost his long and brave battle with cancer on Tuesday evening.
Mr Moore’s family have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the local community in which their husband and dad was so integral to.
“A massive thank you to everyone who have supported our Dad and all the messages to the family through this difficult time,” a family statement read.
“Anyone who knew Tony ‘Archie’ Moore, born in Shankill and who lived in Craigavon for most of his life, knew he loved the social event of a big wake and attended many a funeral in his day!
“He was first and foremost a big community man and the irony is over the next number of days as much as he would have loved a big send off he also would want us to do our best to respect the church and undertakers guidelines to keep people safe & healthy at this unusual time.
“Unfortunately it has to be a private wake and limited numbers church service at St Anthony’s tomorrow at 1pm and onto St Colman’s cemetery. We will all celebrate together down the line!
“He loved his wife Mary and his children and grandchildren and all within the family circle and his friends.
“He supported his community, St Anthonys chapel, Armagh, Clan Na Gael and Eire Og GAA, and volunteered his time when he was younger to the Tullygally youth club, Brownlow Limited and the 18-25 Youth Project among many others.
“He started work in Farrens and the Goodyear factory and of course he will be remembered by many as the Captain of the Ship at the Goodyear Sports and Social Club since the 1980s where he enjoyed the craic and banter with all of the people who came through the door throughout the years. Thank you, The Moore Family.”
The Lurgan Grapevine paid its own personal tribute to Mr Moore.
“Tony was a man, who it was impossible not to love, a big heart and a big smile and laugh for anyone who crossed his path.
“Tony was of course chairman of the Goodyear social club, and was involved in countless other charitable and sporting initiatives to many to list Tony was bigger than the sum of all of these parts.
“Tony was the real deal, he had a genuine interest in everyone he knew.
“He had a unique gift of remembering details, always positive about a persons progress in life whether it be, a new job, just married new baby, sporting achievement etc and he would be fulsome and enthusiastic in his praise, people left a few minutes in Tony’s company feeling ten foot tall no matter how small they felt entering the conversation, that was my experience of Tony and I’m sure all others.
“It is tragic that Tony passed at a time when big funerals aren’t possible because for Tony they would have needed to lay him in state in the Vatican itself such was his popularity.
“The funeral maybe at Croke Park itself where Tony spent many happy days.
“The special train wouldn’t have been the same though with out his big warm voice booming down the carriage with the big laugh.
“Deepest condolences his wife Mary and children Stevie, Cathy, Connor & Laura.”
Eire Og GAA posted: “Everyone at Éire Óg GAC are very saddened to hear of the death of Tony Moore.
“Tony was father of Ógs past players Stevie and Connor.
“Tony was well known for his many years of work with the Goodyear social club, and although he was a Clans man he was always interested and supportive of the development of Éire Óg.
“A gentleman and such a big character, he will be sadly missed in the wider Craigavon area, but mostly by his wife Mary and children Stevie, Cathy, Connor and Laura. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
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