It was with sadness that the Irish Football Association learned of the passing of Irish FA Life Member Gifford McConkey.
Gifford was a former chairman of Bangor FC and a former president of the Irish League. He died at the weekend, following a short illness, just three days after his 79th birthday.
His name was synonymous with Bangor Football Club. In his time as chairman the Seasiders won the Irish Cup (1993), the Irish League Cup (1993), the Ulster Cup twice (1992 and 1995), the Co Antrim Shield (1989) and finished runners-up in Northern Ireland’s top flight. And they also played European football during three seasons.
Gifford, a former schoolteacher, was a familiar figure at Clandeboye Park for seven decades. He played for Bangor Young Men and Bangor Parish in junior football and for Bangor Reserves.
After serving on the club’s board for several years, he became chairman of Bangor FC in 1987, a role he held for eight years.
He was appointed vice-president of the Irish League in May 1991 and then became president six years later, serving until 2000.
The association would wish to send its sincere condolences to his family at this sad time.