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dbak · Level 1 dot.orger Joined: 03 Nov 2008 Posts: 298

I write this with lots of emotion but today for me was extremely moving having attended the Service of Celebration for the life of this great gent. Living in Dublin it was a two hour plus drive through the country roads of Northern Ireland finally arriving at the Church at around 11am about an hour before the start of the service.

I parked up took a deep breath and got out of the car thinking to myself am i really here to say goodbye to a player who played a part in so many peoples lives. anyway, i walked towards the church and delighted to see immediately a QPR delegation Terry Springett, Julie Newman and Dave Anderson who had made the trip from London.

As the hour moved on, more QPR connections, Andrew impey, Simon Barker, Darren Peacock, Tony Roberts and Kevin Gallen all coming to say goodbye to their former team-mate. It really was lovely to see them.

The who's who of soccer in Northern Ireland were there so many names too numerous to mention, Pat Jennings, Gerry Armstrong, Nigel Worthington,Jimmy Quinn Sammy McIllroy and Iain Dowie, Steve Lomas just some of who turned out in a massive presence.

just before the service giant video screens showing clips of Macca in his playing days for Northern Ireland and QPR some chosen pictures of a colourful career.

The service began to the strains of Nothing compares to you Sinead O'Connor and then a huge hush as Macca came into the Church.

Rev Dr Brian Black welcomed everyone from many places with a big mention to presence from his Club QPR. there were a few hymns and prayers and then a truly emotional eulogy by Jackie Fullerton who found laughter telling stories about Maccas antics on tour with Northern Ireland and indeed the special bond he had with one Jimmy Quinn who was sitting to my left clearly showing his emotion, they were best friends. Jackie also mentioned the fans of QPR who want the no.5 shirt withdrawn and to the fact famns are calling for the stand to be renamed too.

Following this , I'm afraid my own emotion took over as kiki dee amoreuse played as clips from Macca the family man were shown on the big screen showing how much family meant to him. this was beautiful and so so powerful.

Further hymns and prayers followed before the service concluded and Macca with his nearest left us for the last time. I met with his wife Tonia who I haven't seen for many years and also got to see his children and then proceeded to make my way towards my car for the drive back.

I was very priviledged for many years to work at QPR as club commentator and do many great games involving Macca. I Interviewed him had banter with him and never thought for one minute i would witness this day so soon.

I'd like to just finish this special report for you the fans by reproducing the words from the back of the running order so fitting and so moving.

Alan McDonald 12th October 1963 -23 June 2012 thank you so much for bringing so much joy into peoples lives, you will never be forgotten Rest in peace

my deepest condolences to the whole family

David Baker

YOU CAN SHED TEARS THAT HE HAS GONE,
OR YOU CAN SMILE BECAUSE HE HAS LIVED

YOU CAN CLOSE YOUR EYES AND PRAY THAT HE WILL COME BACK
OR YOU CAN OPEN YOUR EYES AND SEE ALL HE HAS LEFT

YOUR HEART CAN BE EMPTY BECAUSE YOU CAN'T SEE HIM
OR YOU CAN BE FULL OF THE LOVE THAT YOU SHARED

YOU CAN TURN YOUR BACK ON TOMORROW AND LIVE YESTERDAY
OR YOU CAN BE HAPPY FOR TOMORROW BECAUSE OF YESTERDAY

YOU CAN REMEMBER HIM AND ONLY THAT HE IS GONE
OR YOU CAN CHERISH HIS MEMORY AND LET IT LIVE ON

YOU CAN CRY AND CLOSE YOUR MIND BE EMPTY AND TURN YOUR BACK
OR YOU CAN DO WHAT HE WOULD WANT

SMILE

OPEN YOUR EYES

LOVE AND GO ON

DaveSouthampton · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 9:11 pm Post subject:

Thanks for this. So moving.

Loan Ranger · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 9:12 pm Post subject:

thanks for that. very moving.
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deepseahoop · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 9:18 pm Post subject:

thanks for that dbak its good to know he had a good send off.
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Crying won't help you praying won't do you no good

Brian McCarthy · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 9:39 pm Post subject:

Very inspiring. Thanks a million.

dm · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:04 pm Post subject:

I so appreciated reading that dbak. Thank you.

RIP Macca.
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dbak · Level 1 dot.orger Joined: 03 Nov 2008 Posts: 298

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18627983

Der Blauweissengel · Level 5 dot.orger Joined: 03 Feb 2007 Posts: 9661

Beautiful.
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LBLOCK · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:44 pm Post subject:

Christ

That got me bang on and not ashamed to say in tears.

I've found myself even more often than usual watching these modern day players rolling round feigning injury and giving them disdain as against one of my heroes like Macca they are worlds apart.

RIP big fella
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qprperry · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:47 pm Post subject:

Many thanks. I'm now in tears .
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Well, there,s Frank and Keith and Tony,
and Jim,s not retiring yet,
there,s Les Allen, Ronnie Hunt and Roger,s twin.

White Duck · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:50 pm Post subject:

A decent goodbye to a decent man. Thank you so much for reporting it for the thousands of us who wish we'd been there.
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Lex Talionis........

DW · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:52 pm Post subject:

I really don't think that any of us ever realised what Macca meant to the people of Northern Ireland or appreciated what a footballer he really was. To have a send off that he had I think speaks absolute volumes about the man as a footballer and the man as a human being. A TRUELY great person.

Rest in peace Macca

dbak · Level 1 dot.orger Joined: 03 Nov 2008 Posts: 298

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVaTO1d3ejE this is the song played to moving images of macca as the family man with his wife and children, i'm afraid i was gone after a minute of this

Greyhound · Level 2 dot.orger Joined: 02 Feb 2007 Posts: 780

Thanks for taking the time to write that, dbak.

sparkypark · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 11:05 pm Post subject:

Thank you for the report.

A remarkable service for a remarkable man, and a QPR giant.