In The News

Funeral takes place of former footballer Alan McDonald

Funeral takes place of former footballer Alan McDonald

FANS joined family and friends at the funeral of the former Northern Ireland football captain Alan McDonald. He had passed away suddenly, aged 48.

The centre-half, who was known as Big Mac and Macca by players and supporters, played most of his professional career for Queen’s Park Rangers where he captained the side and was also assistant manager.

He made almost 500 appearances for the London club including the League Cup final in 1986 which the side lost 3-0 to Oxford United.

A book of condolence was opened at Queen’s Park Rangers’ ground at Loftus Road.

QPR fans had also started a Facebook campaign to have a stand at Loftus Road named after Mr. McDonald whom the club has referred to as their “former iconic player”.

Mr. McDonald was capped 52 times for Northern Ireland and was in the side which qualified for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico under manager Billy Bingham.

He was one of the scorers when Northern Ireland defeated the Faroe Islands during the UEFA European Championship qualifyers in 1991, see below.

Following his retirement from playing Mr. McDonald went into football management. He served as assistant coach of the Northern Ireland Under-21 team for a time and was also manager of Glentoran when the East Belfast team won the Irish League title in 2009.

Mr. McDonald passed away after collapsing while playing golf on Saturday, June 23.

Mr. McDonald’s Funeral took place on Thursday, June 28. For full details, see below. Several hundred mourners attended the funeral including former Northern Ireland players Gerry Armstrong, Pat Jennings and Sammy McIlroy.

To view the Passedaway.com Notice for Mr. McDonald, click here.

To see Alan McDonald’s goal in the game against Faroe Islands in 1991, click here.

Anyone wishing to send a message for inclusion in the QPR book of condolence can do so by email.

 

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