Lurgan Celtic Football Club has led the tributes to former captain and "great person" Michael Downey following his sudden death.

Mr Downey - who also featured for Linfield earlier in his career - passed away on January 1.

Lurgan Celtic described his death as "heartbreaking news" for the club and community.

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The Wee Hoops said in a statement: “Michael signed for the club from Linfield and went onto captain the club for a number of seasons and lifted the Radcliffe Cup alongside Raymey Fitz, after doing his cruciate a few weeks before the final.

“Michael was a great footballer, but more importantly a great person that served our club immaculately over the years whilst achieving so much for/with us.

“Our sincere condolences are extended to Michael's family and friends, as well as the many teammates he played alongside during his career, members of both the club and community as well as club supporters who will be shaken and saddened by this heartbreaking news at this most difficult of times.

“Rest in peace, Downey.”

AFC Craigavon added on social media: “Michael was with the club last year as assistant coach to his good friend Dermy. Micky showed up week in, week out with a smile on his face and had a fantastic relationship with everyone at the club, from players to committee members.

“Everyone at the club would like to extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to Michael’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time. Rest in peace, Downey. You will be missed by so many.”

Current GAA senior county champions Clann Éireann, also paid tribute to “our esteemed member, former player, and current coach, Michael.”

The club said: “Our heartfelt sympathies go to his loving wife Áine, our current Bar Manager and Life Member; his daughter Pippa and son Teddy, who are among our underage players; his loving parents Barry and Ann; sisters Lisa, Laura, and Louise; and his parents-in-law Michael and Rosemary. Our hearts are broken. A Mhuire na nGael guigh air. Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí air.”

Oxford Sunnyside FC also said: “Michael was a very talented player who represented the club at youth level and played alongside many of our current first-team players during his senior football career.

“This is a very sad time for his family and friends. All our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. His former teammates and friends are devastated to learn of his passing. May he rest in peace.”

A funeral notice described Mr Downey as a "dearly beloved husband of Áine and "loving daddy of Pippa and Teddy". He was also the "much-loved son of Barry and Ann Downey, a loving brother of Lisa, Laura, and Louise, and a beloved son-in-law of Michael and Rosemary Purdy, as well as a brother-in-law to Noeleen, Róisín, and Sean".

His funeral will take place on Saturday at 2.15pm from his home to St Peter’s Church for 3pm Requiem Mass. Interment afterwards in St Colman’s Cemetery.

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