Irish FA Press Release:
On Wednesday night the Irish FA is planning to honour the
life and contribution of the late Alan McDonald. The former captain was held in
high esteem in the footballing world which was rocked when the devastating news
was announced in June. Alan McDonald’s sudden death stunned everyone and fans
are still mourning the loss of one of football’s gentlemen. The Finland game
will be the first international since McDonald’s passing and the Irish FA want
to give fans an opportunity to hold their own personal tribute.
Geoff Wilson, Head of Marketing and Communications at the
Irish FA said, “Members of Alan’s family will be on the pitch and we are hoping
to play the infamous interview that Alan gave after the England match over the
PA system around 7.30pm before kick off. We also have a dedicated section in the
match programme with various tributes . It will be very emotional but we spoke
to a lot of supporters clubs and they all want to pay their
respects”.
On Wednesday night the Irish FA is planning to honour the
life and contribution of the late Alan McDonald. The former captain was held in
high esteem in the footballing world which was rocked when the devastating news
was announced in June. Alan McDonald’s sudden death stunned everyone and fans
are still mourning the loss of one of football’s gentlemen. The Finland game
will be the first international since McDonald’s passing and the Irish FA want
to give fans an opportunity to hold their own personal tribute.
The Alan’s son and brother will lead out the teams before the
match and a minute’s applause will echo around Windsor Park.
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| Picture: Presseye |
The Irish FA is urging fans to get into their seats early.
Geoff continued “We would like fans to be in Windsor Park by
7.25pm really, so that they can pay their respects to Alan and give his family a
special moment to remember”.
Gary McAlister of the AONISC said, "Alan gave tremendous
service to the Northern Ireland team and remained a passionate supporter long
after his playing career came to an end.
The tribute before the Finland game will allow us all to show our
appreciation. I know that many fans travel
from across the country to get to Windsor Park, but I would ask everyone to make
a special effort just this once to try and get to the stadium for 7:30pm so that
the tribute can be a fitting one."
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