Michael Newberry: 'We will miss his beautiful smile' mourners told as Cliftonville star laid to rest
Mourners gathered in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on Thursday to pay tribute to Michael Newberry, as the former Cliftonville and Linfield player was laid to rest in his hometown.
In an emotional tribute his sister Michaela said she would “miss his beautiful smile”, while his brother Adrian paid tribute in a poem remembering the 27-year-old, who died suddenly on December 30th.
Representatives from both the Reds and the Blues attended the service. Cliftonville FC chaplain, Pastor David Burke, who conducted the funeral service, told mourners there is "gratitude" in the "absolute privilege" of knowing Michael.
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“There is awful pain and grief that Michael is no longer with us,” he said. “There is shock and disbelief that we’re actually standing here at Michael’s funeral service, there is confusion and even anger at his tragic loss.
“And yet, next to all of these, there is gratitude, there is a real sense of thankfulness for Michael’s life for the fact that we had the absolute privilege of knowing him.
“There is joy of so many precious memories of Michael and there is pride in all the things he achieved. Michael was not defined by being a footballer, he was so much more. He was a loyal friend, beloved son and caring and protective brother.”
Michael's sister Michaela told mourners "a part of us will always be missing" following the loss of her brother.
“A part of us will always be missing as he was the most kind-hearted and truly amazing person and will forever be missed,” she said. “He had a sense of humour that was unmatched, and I will miss him having us laugh until we cried. Most importantly, I will miss his beautiful smile. I hope he shines down on us as bright as he did when he was with us.”
While the service was taking place mourners also had the opportunity to pay their respects at Windsor Park as Linfield opened up the ground for fans to come and leave flowers and personal tributes in the home dugout.
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