The Irish Football Association would like to express its sincere condolences to the family of Northern Ireland supporter Gary Hughes, who passed away suddenly before the Northern Ireland-Italy game on Monday.
Gary (58), a sales manager and father of two from Mayfields in Lisburn, was meeting one of his sons in a bar on Belfast’s Lisburn Road prior to the World Cup qualifier when he collapsed. Despite the best efforts of people who came to his aid, he sadly passed away.
In a tweet on Tuesday, his son Stuart said: “Very tragically my dad passed away suddenly last night just before the NI game vs Italy. Thanks to everyone who has passed on their sympathies today and those who tried to save him last night. It puts so much into perspective.”
A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Gary Hughes is due to be held in St Mark’s Parish Church on Lisburn’s Ballymacash Road tomorrow.
Gary was a Campaign Card holder and a big fan of the Northern Ireland team.
He is survived by his wife Joanne, sons Stuart and Ryan and daughter-in-law Nicola.
