Omagh mourns the death of ‘footballing great’ John McDaid

THE community of Omagh gathered at Sacred Heart Church on Monday to bid a heartfelt farewell to one of its cherished footballing sons, John McDaid.

As well as playing for hometown club, Omagh Town, the former striker, father of current Linfield player, Robbie, turned out for a number of Irish League and League of Ireland clubs, including Glentoran, Portadown, Finn Harps and Derry City.

Mr McDaid passed away on Friday at the age of 59 after battling a long illness.

Notable figures from the footballing world attended his funeral, including Linfield manager, David Healy, captain Jamie Mulgrew and many members of the current Blues squad.

In a poignant Requiem Mass led by Fr Michael Doherty, Mr McDaid was remembered as a “special man” whose memory would endure through his gifts and talents.

Fr Doherty also offered heartfelt condolences to Mr McDaid’s grieving family, acknowledging his roles as a loving husband, father, and brother.

He continued, “When I heard of John’s passing on Friday, it was a strange mix of sorrow and relief.

“Whilst John was no quitter, he did suffer.”

Fr Doherty continued, “Football was John’s passion from an early age and he enjoyed the great companionship and friendship that he made through the game.

“Having known John from a young age, when I saw him put in that red and white candy stripe strip and walking onto the pitch at the Brandywell in Derry, I was a very proud man. However, the best team he was involved with was that of ‘team McDaid’.

“The best contract he ever signed was with Wendy Pollock in Knockmoyle Church in 1991.

“Wendy and John very much enjoyed their life and had much to look forward to. We pray that John may be at peace, reunited with his late loved ones.”

Beyond the football pitch, Fr Doherty also recognised McDaid as “a hardworking individual” whose dedication extended to various facets of the community.

He held roles at Fairway Stores sport shop, Omagh Golf Club, and the Jobs and Benefits Office..

Tributes poured in from across the country following Mr McDaid’s passing on Friday, with former teammate Jimmy Cleary lamenting the premature end of hs promising career due to injury. He stated, “I have no doubt that, had it not been for his injury, John could have gone onto have a great career at a high level in England. He was that good.”

Mr McDaid (pictured) is survived by his wife, Wendy, sons, Robbie and Andrew, brother, Barry, and sisters, Sharon and Patricia.

Following the Requiem Mass, his remains were laid to rest in Greenhill Cemetery in Omagh.