Portadown FC mourn death of Markethill man who served as chairman for nine years   

PORTADOWN Football Club officials, players and supporters are mourning the death of a former chairman at Shamrock Park, Marshall Beattie.

The much-respected Markethill man died peacefully in hospital on Saturday (March 30).

A statement issed by the club read: “Portadown FC are saddened to learn of the passing of Marshall Beattie and tender our deepest sympathies to the Beattie family.

“Marshall was a life-long Portadown fan and began following the club in 1957. He supported the club through thick and thin with great passion at home and away. In September 1982 he was appointed to the Board of Directors at Shamrock Park, rising rapidly to the position of Vice-Chairman just a year later.

“He went about his duties in a quiet and unassuming manner, working tirelessly to bring in sponsorship, wheeling and dealing in the transfer market and overseeing many fundraising ventures.

“In November 1985 Marshall was appointed Chairman of the club, a position he held for nine years.

“His administrative attributes were put to good use where he represented the club as a delegate to the Irish League and a Mid-Ulster FA representative to the IFA. Internally he chaired the social club committee and sat on the management committee.

“Marshall presided over club affairs during the most successful period in the club’s history during which the team won two league titles, the Irish Cup, two Budweiser Cups, Ulster Cup, Gold Cup and two Mid- Ulster Cups.

“We send our sincere condolences to Neal, Beverly, Wendy and all the family circle at this sad time.”

He is survived by his children Wendy, Neal and Beverly, sister June, sons-in-law Alvin and Sidney, daughter-in-law Alison, grandchildren Ross, Tim, Faye, Sam, Andrew, Holly, Steven and James, and great- grandchild Aria.

The funeral service in Kilcluney Parish Church was followed by interment in the adjoining churchyard.