NI football legends pay respects as veteran kit man is laid to rest
(below) the last two years, Mr McKinley had been unable to attend church as often as he would have liked. Rev Lowry added: “He had a very close family and I’ve no doubt he will be badly missed.”
A goalkeeper in his younger days, Mr McKinley had also worked as a kit manager for Portadown, Lisburn Distillery, Glentoran and Knockbreda. After his many years of service on the sporting sidelines, he had been honoured with a tribute dinner attended by current and former Northern Ireland players.
The Irish FA described him as “a football enthusiast and perfectionist”, who took pride in making sure his teams were immaculately turned out.
A spokesperson added: “He will be sorely missed by all his friends in the Irish Football As- Northern Ireland goalkeeping hero Pat Jennings (above) and current international manager Michael O’Neill (above left) at the funeral of Derek McKinley in Carryduff yesterday sociation. The association would wish to send its sincere condolences to his family at this sad time.”
A family notice described him as the much-loved husband of May, lovingly remembered by daughter Deborah, sons David and Stuart, son-in-law Dessie, daughters-in-law Suzanne and Tracey, and loving and devoted grandfather of Kristopher, Ryan, Jemma, Callum, Emily, Lucy, Adam and Dulcie. Glentoran manager Ronnie McFall (above left); former NI international Gerry Armstrong (above) and NI women’s manager Alfie Wylie and NI international Ian Stewart (left)