Tributes for ‘legendary’ Ballymena United manager Alex McKee

Alex (Alec) McKee led his team to victory in the 1989 Irish Cup final and gained respect throughout the Irish League football community during almost four years in charge at the Showgrounds.

On Saturday, the club said it was “with great sadness” that they learned of the former manager’s passing.

In a statement on social media, Ballymena United said: “Alec took charge 179 times between 1987 and 1991 and will always be remembered with legendary status for masterminding the 1989 Irish Cup campaign that still stands as the clubs most recent Irish Cup success.

“Upon our return to the Showgrounds today we will fondly remember Alec and we will mark our condolences with a minute silence and the wearing of black armbands. “

The statement adds: “To wife Margaret, children Valerie, Karen and Colin, and to his wider family and circle of friends we extend our prayers and deepest sympathies.”

Mr McKee lived at Parkmount Crecent in the town.

Paul Hardy, who was the goal scoring hero when Ballymena beat Larne in the 1989 Irish Cup final at The Oval in Belfast, paid his own tribute to a former boss he admired greatly.

He said he was “absolutely gutted” to hear the news on Saturday.

In a response to the announcement on the club’s Facebook page, Mr Hardy said: “Absolutely gutted. I’ve known Alex since school boy internationals, had the pleasure of playing for him right through my career at 3 different clubs,

“A gentleman, a friend, A very special man. Condolences and sympathy to all his family.”

On Twitter, former Middlesborough and Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Jim Platt said it was “very very sad” news.

He added: “Alex was Ballymena through and through. Good player, manager and ambassador for Ballymena United FC. RIP Alex.”

Former News Letter sports reporter and life-long Ballymena fan Darren Fullerton also paid tribute to the club stalwart.

“Really sorry to hear this. Alex will be fondly remembered for everything he did for Ballymena United, including THAT win in 1989. Sincere condolences to Alex’s family.”

UTV political editor Ken Reid described Mr McKee as a “remarkable” and influential figure who worked with some household names over the years.

“A remarkable family man who played a significant role of the development of Brendan Rodgers and Michael O’Neill, among others.

“Talking to him was always an enriching experience,” he said in a Twitter message.

Mr McKee’s funeral service – with immediate and extended family present only – will take place on Tuesday at the West Presbyterian Church in Ballymena, where he was an elder, followed by burial at 2nd Broughshane Presbyterian.

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