Tribute to hockey club stalwart

Gordon, a native of Cookstown joined the Chambers Park Club in 1974 and his ten year tenure at Portadown coincided with the halcyon years of the club.

He was a member of the 1st XI which captured the Senior League Two title in the 1980-1981 season thus assuring Portadown of Senior League status for the first time in the club’s history.

Gordon was also selected for the Junior Ulster squad on several occasions and it was his influence that encouraged Kilkeel based player Ivan Knox to sign for the Portadown club. In 1976 Ivan went on to become the highest scoring full back in the province.

Gordon and Ivan became inseparable friends over the years and in 1981 donated the Knox-Donaghy Shield to the club, which is awarded to the 1st XI player of the season, a trophy still presented to this day.

Gordon had a host of wonderful memories during his time at Portadown but two matches in particular he always treasured. One was a Kirk Cup fixture against his home club, Cookstown, away from home which Portadown won 2-1 and Gordon saved a penalty flick. The other was an Anderson Cup game against Belfast YMCA, a team full of Irish internationals, at Chambers Park in which Portadown triumphed by the odd goal in seven

Gordon’s 1st XI Captain Ronnie Harkness paid a warm tribute to his former schoolmate: “Gordon’s passing is an extremely sad day for those associated with Portadown Hockey Club. I had the pleasure of playing alongside him at both Portadown and Cookstown.

“He was the epitome of what a club member should be, always reliable and extremely supportive of club ventures during his ten years at Portadown.

His skill between the posts will always be remembered but it is his outgoing personality and love of life that will remain in the hearts of those who were privileged to play alongside him.”

Gordon is survived by his wife Valery, daughters Sinead and Lisa, son Neal, sons-in-law Adam and Edwin, daughter-in-law Kelly and their respective families.

He was laid to rest in a private burial in Cookstown Cemetery on Wednesday.