Hanover Football Club Portadown have paid tribute to the life of their founding members, linchpin and “driving force”, Raymond ‘Ramie’ McLoughlin.
Following the popular clubman’s passing, at Craigavon Area Hospital on January 14, the club took the opportunity to reflect on Ramie’s unwavering commitment spanning an incredible 61 years.
Going back to day dot, Hanover FC – which today plays at Intermediate B level within the Mid Ulster League – explained that, after forming the club with four other local men, Ramie “immediately became the driving force behind the team for the next decade”.
He stepped into the role of the team’s first Captain and just two years after the club’s formation led them to victory lifting the Royal Naval Cup in 1967.
Then in 1971, as Manager of the team, they secured a double whammy picking up the Mid-Ulster Division 2 trophy followed by the Mid-Ulster Division 1 trophy the following year.
Said a Hanover representative of Ramie’s constant input: “Throughout his time as a player and manager, Ramie simultaneously held the position of club secretary – organising fixtures, playing kits, player signings and pitches amongst many other duties which he took upon himself.
“When Brownstown Park opened in 1969, Ramie worked with the Lord Mayor and local council of the time to ensure that Hanover FC were the first team to play football there – a place which remains our home to this day.
“It was also in that season that Ramie purchased our first blue home kit, another feature which has stood with Hanover throughout the years.”
In recent years Ramie became a regular attender at home games at Brownstown Park and would often sponsor Man of the Match awards with his friends at ‘critics corner.’
Last year, during their 60th anniversary season, the club said it was a “great honour to catch up with Ramie to film our podcast series and hear about the foundations and early years of Hanover; with stories he was able to recall with great passion and accuracy.
“It is a great tribute to Ramie that these stories have now been captured and will be available to watch and listen to for years to come.
Ramie’s passing is a great loss to our community, and he will be missed by everyone that knew him. Our thoughts are with Anne, Stephanie, Nigel and the wider family at this difficult time.”
A death notice described Ramie as the beloved husband of Anne, treasured dad of Stephanie and Nigel, a much loved Grandpa of Elise, Emelie and Sophie and a dear brother of Charles and Denise.
His funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11am in Portadown Independent Methodist Church with committal following in Kernan Cemetery.
Family flowers only please, with donations for the benefit of Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
