Sports veteran Danny tributes
TRIBUTES have been paid to sports veteran Danny evans who gave half a century of his life to football in the cynon Valley and “always put others first”.
TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular community figure who gave half a century of his life to football in the cynon Valley and “always put others first”.
Danny evans was a “massive figure” in the local football scene, celebrating 50 years’ involvement in the sport in november 2016.
A grandfather to six and a former miner, he held top roles in the Aberdare Valley Football League and the south Wales FA, and was described by his son Lee as a “very gentle man”.
He explained: “He always put his family first. He was a down-to-earth, regular person who had time for everyone. nothing was ever too much of a problem.”
born in penywaun, Danny began volunteering with his local club from the age of 12, hand delivering match details to opponents and referees, elected to the management committee of the Aberdare Valley Football League in 1974.
He remained with the organisation as secretary then treasurer, helping ensure generations of footballers could play the sport.
As well as football, he also played bowls and was involved in cricket around the area. A miner for more than a decade, Danny juggled his work with the football community with various jobs around the area including as a park keeper, before retiring several years ago.
Lee added: “He retired but football has always been his main love. He has travelled hundreds of thousands of miles to watch it – west east, south and north.
“He was well known not just in the cynon Valley, but all over the country.”
Following Danny’s death on January 7, his family say they have had a lot of messages of condolence from across south Wales and further afield, which Lee said was “overwhelming”. He added: “it does make me immensely proud and these messages are a testament to how popular he was and how respected he was.
“many people have been coming over to say how much respect they had for him and how much time he had for them.”
Local councillor for rhigos, Graham Thomas said: “Danny has always carried out his many duties in a friendly and conscientious manner demonstrating his keen community spirit.
“His passing will be a sad loss to all that knew him and to the community at large.
“We will all be thinking of him and his family at this sad time.”
Aberdare West councillor Ann crimmings added: “i would like to offer my sincere condolences to Danny’s family. Danny was always supportive and eager to work with us, representing football and Aberdare Valley Football League.
“His passion and dedication to the sport over the years has been immeasurable; he was a lovely man who always had time for everyone – he will be truly missed.”