Michael Newberry: Footballer remembered nearly a year on from tragic passing as memorial walk and competition is held
The life of Michael Newberry was remembered on Sunday as supporters from Linfield and Cliftonville were joined by members of the public in a sponsored walk – nearly a year to the day of his tragic passing.
The local football fraternity was left devastated following the news that Mr Newberry died suddenly on December 30 last year – the date of his 27th birthday.
Michael, a former Newcastle United academy player, went on to play professionally with Iceland’s Víkingur Ólafsvík then in Northern Ireland for Linfield and Cliftonville.
To mark the first anniversary of Michael’s death, a Memorial Walk was arranged by Cliftonville supporters from Windsor Park to Solitude on Sunday morning (December 28).
Several of Michael’s former team-mates at both Linfield and Cliftonville were present for the start of the walk across the capital, including Linfield boss David Healy.
The walk was organised by members of the Jonny Addis Cliftonville Supporters’ Club in partnership with Cliftonville FC – with all funds going towards Action Mental Health and T.A.M.H.I.
Speaking to the News Letter after the walk, Cillian Nugent, club SLO at Cliftonville, said the turnout was fantastic for the popular Geordie.
He said: “It was great to see such a large crowd and everything went really well.
"This week marks the first anniversary of Michael’s death and we felt we needed to do something to mark it, whilst raising funds for worthwhile charities.
"I know that Michael’s dad (also named Michael) was over for the Boxing Day game against Crusaders and he was also present for the walk which was great to see.
"There’s obviously a rivalry on the pitch between Linfield and Cliftonville but this tragedy has reminded us all that there are things more important than football.”
A 9-a-side football competition was also arranged – with the help of the Michael Newberry Cliftonville Supporters’ Club - after the walk as 16 teams showcased their talent to become the inaugural winners of the Michael Newberry Cup.
As a result, Mr Nugent said a four-figure sum has been raised for both charities and he hinted that it could turn out to be an annual event.
“Between donations from the walk and then entry fees for the football competition...we believe that over £2,500 has been collected, which is a brilliant amount,” he continued.
"T.A.M.H.I. is the official charity partner of Cliftonville and they do an amazing job, alongside Action Mental Health. On behalf of everyone involved, I’d like to thank those who have donated and played their part.
"I’m sure this is the only the start in remembering Michael and that there will be other events moving forward.”
Michael is fondly remembered by all of his team-mates at all his clubs and Mr Nugent added how he has left a legacy off the pitch following his sudden death.
He explained: “I will remember Michael as a strong centre-back on the pitch but he was a genuinely nice fella off it.
"He was always helpful and pleasant and I’m sure players, staff and officials at Linfield would say the same.
"His sad passing pulled everyone together at Cliftonville through a difficult time and there’s now a mental health walk around the nearby waterworks every week for those who need to talk.”